Delhi High Court Directs AIIMS To Constitute Medical Board For Medical Termination Of 22 Weeks Old Foetus Suffering From Multiple Abnormalities

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed All India Institute of Medical Sciences to constitute a medical board in order to submit its report on medical termination of pregnancy of a woman who had completed 22 weeks of gestation period on account of suffering from multiple abnormalities.

A single judge bench comprising of Justice Rekha Palli directed Advocate Tanveer Oberoi appearing on behalf of AIIMS to submit a report on Monday. 

"Having pursued the ultrasound report, I'm of the view that respondent no.3 (AIIMS) ought to be directed to expeditiously constitute a medical board who will give information to the petitioner through her counsel and shall also furnish a report feasibility of Petitioner undergoing medical termination of pregnancy keeping in view the fact that pregnancy has also exceeded 22 weeks." The Court said.

During the course of hearing, Advocate Sneha Mukherjee appearing for the petitioner woman had submitted that she is seeking termination of pregnancy on the basis of sonography report and also the opinion of the treating doctor that the foetus was suffering from various defects.

It was submitted that the foetus was suffering from multiple abnormalities including multiple deformity in feet, spinal cord and malfunction in brain etc.

It was thus submitted by the petitioner if the woman is not permitted to terminate her pregnancy, there was every likelihood that the foetus, which is already suffering from various defects will not survive and that the same is likely to cause her grave mental and physical trauma.

 The Court will now be hearing the matter again on Monday.