On Plea By Minor Rape Victim’s Mother, SC Allows Medical Termination Of 24-Week Foetus [Read Order]

The Supreme Court on Thursday allowed a writ petition, filed by the mother of a 13-year-old rape victim, seeking medical termination of the daughter’s 24-week-old foetus.

Earlier on September 15, a bench of Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, Justice Amitava Roy and Justice AM Khanwilkar had directed the constitution of a medical board at New Delhi AIIMS comprising doctors suggested by Additional Solicitor General of India Ranjit Kumar.

Since the report submitted three days later, on September 18, was not very specific, the court ordered the matter to be listed on September 21.

In the order on September 18, the court also specified that the medical board would consist of head of departments of obstetrics, gynaecology, paediatrics, psychiatry, radiology and neurology from AIIMS and stated that the board must give its opinion relating to the termination of life of the foetus.

Thhe report submitted by the medical board comprising 11 doctors stated: “Ms. 'X' is 24 weeks pregnant and termination of pregnancy is feasible. However, the ultrasound report shows 'low lying placenta', attempt to terminate pregnancy carries the risk of severe bleeding in which case a caesarean section will be required.”

Consequently, the apex court allowed the writ petition and directed the mother and the victim to report to AIIMS on Friday morning for medical termination of pregnancy. As per directions, all expenses of the entire process will be borne by AIIMS.