14 yr old rape victim cleared by SC to abort 24 week old fetus – Ruling a first in country’s history
The Supreme Court on Thursday gave permission for termination of a 14 year old minor rape victim’s 25-week-old pregnancy. This, despite the country’s abortion laws allowing abortion only until the 20th week. A panel of 5 doctors gave the final nod for the procedure after evaluating the girl’s health. The procedure will be carried out today.
The Supreme Court had come to the rescue of the 14-year-old victim who had been denied permission earlier by the sessions as well as the high court. The apex court said she can undergo abortion if medical experts allow it.
The girl became pregnant after being allegedly raped by Dr. Jatin Mehta whom she had visited for treatment of typhoid earlier this year. The Supreme Court bench had said it would ask the civil hospital here to get the girl examined by gynecologists and a clinical psychologist.
Earlier Gujarat high court’s Justice Abhilasha Kumari had refused permission for abortion on July 24 on the ground that the law does not allow it after 20 weeks of pregnancy. The girl’s father had first moved the sessions court seeking termination of pregnancy, saying she was in no position to take care of the child.
The apex court had also directed that in case of abortion, a DNA test of the foetus should be carried out which can help in the trial of the accused doctor.
Original Article: Times of India
Image Credits: Lifenews.com
