Jharkhand HC Allows Termination Of 23-Week Fetus Of Minor [Read Judgment]

Jharkhand High Court has permitted the termination of a 23-week fetus of a minor girl who was raped in Jamshedpur in Jharkhand. The court directed the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) Ranchi to take steps for termination of the pregnancy while adding that the procedure must be completed taking every precautionary steps.

Representing the minor girl the mother had prayed for termination of the pregnancy. The court asked the RIMS to form a board of expert and give opinion on feasibility of termination of the pregnancy.

The RIMS board stated that termination of the pregnancy could be done under special circumstances with some medical and interventional risks as in any other ordinary such cases.

While passing the order on Sunday evening Justice Rongon Mukhopadhyay said the court thinks it appropriate that the termination of the pregnancy should be allowed.

He said the girl has suffered anguish being a victim of sexual abuse and her agony has further intensified due to her pregnancy.

Justice Mukhopadhay directed the senior SP of Jamshedpur to bring the victim fromhome in Baridih in Jamshespur to RIMS in the first half on Monday for medical tests prior to the termination of the fetus. The termination of the fetus is to take place on Tuesday.

He said that RIMS shall provide the best post-operative care available to the petitioner and shall release her from the hospital after she fully recovers from the operation.

He directed the state government to bear all the expenses necessary for operation, including medicines, food and accommodation, of the girl. It should also provide necessary accommodation to the parents in the hospital premises.

The court also asked RIMS to preserve the terminus fetus as it may be necessary for the purpose of conducting DNA tests.