Bombay HC refuses termination of pregnancy of 13-year-old rape survivor

The HC declined to give permission for medical termination of the 33-week pregnancy of a minor girl after a panel of doctors told the court that it will result in the birth of a preterm child and added that the girl’s life was at equal risk.

The Bombay High Court on Monday refused to permit the termination of a 13-year-old rape survivor’s pregnancy. This came after a panel of doctors from JJ hospital told the HC that the 13-year-old’s 33-week pregnancy was at an advanced stage and that the teen’s life was at risk irrespective of terminating the pregnancy or continuing it to term. "Termination of pregnancy at this stage will result in a preterm viable baby requiring intensive care management and the mother will be required to be present with the baby in the hospital," the report by a panel of doctors said. The report added, "Hence it is advisable to continue the pregnancy and to terminate the pregnancy at term as the outcome of the baby will be better then.”