Rajasthan High Court Declines Termination Of 32-Week Pregnancy Of 17-year-old Rape Survivor

The Rajasthan High Court refused to permit medical termination of a 32-week pregnancy of a 17-year-old minor rape survivor with hearing and speech impairment.

Relying on the medical board’s opinion, the Court noted that termination at such an advanced stage posed a serious risk to both the fetus and the girl due to her weak health, low blood pressure, and anaemia.

Observing that directing termination would endanger lives, the Court ordered that the delivery be conducted safely, the child be handed to the Child Welfare Committee, and compensation be provided under the Rajasthan Victim Compensation Scheme, 2011.