MP High Court Allows Termination of Minor Rape Survivor’s Pregnancy Beyond 24 Weeks

The Madhya Pradesh High Court permitted the termination of a minor rape survivor’s pregnancy despite exceeding 24 weeks, stating that forcing her to continue the pregnancy would cause significant hardship.

The Court cited X v. State (NCT of Delhi), (2023) 9 SCC 433, which recognized a woman’s right to terminate a pregnancy based on medical and socio-economic factors.

The 17-year-old survivor sought termination, but Gandhi Medical College and Hamidia Hospital denied it under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971. 

The Court mandated expert medical supervision, informed consent, post-operative care, and preservation of fetal DNA for prosecution.

It also directed the State to care for the child if born alive. The appeal was allowed, and termination was granted.