New Delhi, April 24: The Supreme Court delivered a landmark ruling on Friday, allowing a 15-year-old minor to undergo an abortion. The court emphasized that no woman should be compelled to continue an unwanted pregnancy. It clarified that a woman’s right to abortion cannot be revoked based on the option of adoption after childbirth.
In a significant move, the Supreme Court overturned a previous order from the Delhi High Court, providing relief to the petitioner. The court directed Delhi’s AIIMS to complete the abortion procedure as soon as possible, ensuring all necessary medical safeguards are in place.
During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the central government, opposed the abortion request. He cited medical reports indicating that the pregnancy was in an advanced stage of seven months, which could pose a risk to the mother’s life if terminated. Mehta also suggested that the child could be adopted through the Central Adoption Resource Authority and proposed financial assistance considering the family’s economic situation.
However, Justice B.V. Nagarathna firmly stated that forcing a pregnant woman to continue her pregnancy against her will could deter future individuals from approaching the court, leading them to seek alternative measures.
Previously, on February 6, the Supreme Court had clarified that no court could compel a woman, especially a minor, to continue a pregnancy against her wishes. This statement arose from a case where the court permitted an abortion for a 30-week pregnant minor. Reports indicated that the girl became pregnant at 17, and while the pregnancy might appear illegal due to her age, the court noted that it was not essential to determine whether the relationship was consensual or involved sexual exploitation. The court emphasized that decisions related to reproduction should prioritize the woman’s autonomy.
During the proceedings, the court raised the question of whose rights should take precedence—the unborn child or the woman giving birth. It reiterated that a girl cannot be forced to continue her pregnancy without her consent. The court instructed Mumbai’s JJ Hospital to ensure that the pregnancy is terminated with all necessary precautions, guaranteeing the procedure is safe and that the girl does not suffer any mental or physical harm.
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P.S.K.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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