SC allows rape victim to terminate 24-weeks-old pregnancy

The Supreme Court today granted liberty to an alleged rape survivor to terminate her 24-weeks-old abnormal foetus.

A bench of Justices J S Khehar and Arun Mishra perused the report of the medical board of a Mumbai hospital stating that the continuance of the pregnancy would gravely endanger the physical and mental health of the mother.

The bench considered the report of the seven-member medical board of King Edward Memorial College and Hospital at Mumbai, which said that the foetus has multiple severe abnormalities.

It passed the order after taking the assistance of Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi who said that there is a provision in the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971 which allows the termination of pregnancy after 24 weeks if there is a threat to the life of the mother.

"We grant liberty to the petitioner, and if she desires to terminate the pregnancy, she is permitted," the bench said.