Minor's Consent is Paramount in Pregnancy Termination : Rajasthan High Court

The Rajasthan High Court recently dismissed a mother’s petition seeking termination of her minor daughter’s (17 years, 5 months old) pregnancy, emphasising the girl's right to bodily autonomy. 

Justice Chandra Prakash Shrimali asserted that the pregnant minor’s consent was paramount, even over her guardian’s wishes.

The court noted that the girl, despite being a minor, clearly understood the implications of motherhood and was unwilling to terminate the pregnancy. 

Citing Suchita Srivastava v. Chandigarh Administration, the court upheld the reproductive autonomy under Article 21. The state was directed to cover medical expenses and provide compensation to the minor under the Rajasthan Victim Compensation Scheme, 2011.