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Comparing the present situation with the risk that the victim may undergo at the time of delivery at full term of pregnancy, the risk factor appears to be same at the present stage as well as the risk that would be involved at the time of delivery at full term of pregnancy.
A woman’s decision in whether or not to go ahead with the termination of her pregnancy is a decision that is to be taken by no one but herself. This is primarily based on the widely acknowledged idea of bodily autonomy. Here, her consent reigns supreme.”
A quick legal roundup to cover important stories from all High Courts this week.
Madras High Court made the Superintendent of Police of the District concerned responsible if the identity of the minor victim girl or the personal details are revealed to the outside world.
Section 3(2B) of the MTP Act ensures that gestational age does not hinder necessary medical intervention in cases of substantial fetal abnormalities.
The Court took note of the petitioner’s statement of miserable suffering and unbearable pain, and that palliative treatment might help her live longer and comfortably. The Court also stated that the petitioner had right to reproductive freedom and autonomy over her body.
Several pro-life medical associations and doctors challenged the FDA regulations issued in 2016 and 2021 that ensured easy access of mifepristone for termination of pregnancy and sought a preliminary injunction for the FDA to rescind these regulatory actions.
“The right of a woman or a girl to make autonomous decisions about her own body and reproductive functions is at the very core of her fundamental right to equality and privacy”
“Pregnant persons seeking termination of pregnancy seek predictability for their future. The uncertainty caused by changing opinions of the medical board must therefore balance the distress it would cause to the pregnant person by providing cogent and sound reasons.”
Earlier, the Supreme Court has directed the Dean at Sion Hospital to immediately constitute a team for undertaking the medical termination of pregnancy of the minor.
“If the petitioner is inclined to give the newborn child to adoption, then the petitioner is at liberty to approach the Union of India and the Union of India is directed to ensure that the process of adoption takes place at the earliest and in a smooth fashion.”
The Orissa High Court granted anticipatory bail to a doctor for his apprehension of arrest in a case related to medical termination of pregnancy, where a premature baby girl was born.
Taking note of the procedure and trauma involved for sexual assault victims and their families, the High Court issued these directions to ensure timely detection of pregnancies and a proper counselling regarding the victim’s physical and mental health.
Supreme Court said that the delivery will be conducted by AIIMS at the appropriate time and the Union Government will bear all the medical costs for the delivery.
A letter was received by ASG seeking clarification from the Court regarding whether foeticide can be done before termination process since the baby was viable, and that if that was not done, it would be a preterm delivery and not a foeticide.
The Medical Board, upon examining the Minor girl, advised not to terminate pregnancy of 29 weeks 05 days and no abnormality was detected by the Psychiatrist.
Gujarat High Court has directed to undertake the medical termination procedure with all due care and precautions.
by Sanjay Vashishtha†
Cite as: 2023 SCC OnLine Blog Exp 10
The woman lost her father during the Covid-19 pandemic and her mother is unwell. She also has a married sister, 10 years older to her. However, all of them showed their inability to raise the child.
Punjab and Haryana High Court: While deciding the writ petition, a bench of Vinod S. Bhardwaj, J., directed the Medical Board to