Karnataka HC Permits Rape Victim To Abort 21 Weeks Pregnancy

The Karnataka High Court has directed a hospital to terminate 21-week old pregnancy of a rape victim and directed investigating officer to preserve fetus and carry out DNA investigation at the Forensic laboratory to assist further investigations in the case and trial.

Justice Alok Aradhe directed the Vani Vilas hospital in Bangalore, to terminate the pregnancy of the 18-year-old girl. It said "District Medical board has submitted a report that petitioner is in a fit mental and physical condition to undergo the medical termination." The victim had approached the court seeking directions to the hospital to admit her and terminate the pregnancy. Presently, section 3(2) (b) of Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act (MTP) bars, abortion post 20 weeks.

The victim in her plea also sought directions to District Legal Services Authority to disburse compensation under the Karnataka Victim Compensation Scheme. The court allowed the petition and asked the authority to disburse an amount of Rs 3 lakh, within three weeks from the date of the receipt of the certified copy of the order. It also directed the Deputy Commissioner to release a sum of Rs 75,000 in favour of the victim.