MP High Court Approves Medical Termination of Pregnancy for 14-Year-Old Rape Survivor

Strategic Insights -

A 14-year-old rape survivor from Satna district in Madhya Pradesh is now one step closer to terminating her 28-week pregnancy after the state high court intervened. Initially, her parents opposed the medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) procedure, citing religious beliefs, but after a court-ordered counselling session, they agreed to the procedure. The medical board report highlighted the significant health risks to the minor girl if the pregnancy continued. Following this, the high court directed the MTP procedure to be carried out in the presence of specialist doctors, with provisions for the child's care in case of its birth.

Key Takeaways:

  • The MP high court approved the MTP for a 14-year-old rape survivor after her parents agreed to the procedure following a court-ordered counselling session.
  • The medical board report highlighted the serious health risks to the minor girl if the pregnancy continued, including risks to her life.
  • The high court directed the MTP procedure to be carried out in the presence of specialist doctors and with provisions for the child's care in case of its birth.
  • The bench of justice Vishal Dhagat emphasized the importance of preserving a portion of the fetus if required, to be used as evidence in the case.
  • If the child is born alive during the procedure, it will be handed over to the mother for breastfeeding for 15 days, after which she may opt to keep it or hand it over for adoption.
  • The state government will look after the child if the girl and her family do not intend to keep it, and the Child Welfare Committee will be entitled to provide the child for adoption.

Statistics:

  • The pregnancy was 28 weeks old at the time of the high court's order.
  • The minor girl was 14 years old at the time of the alleged rape.
  • 15: The number of days for which the child will be breastfed by its mother if born alive during the procedure.
  • The child will be preserved if required for use as evidence in the case.

Sources:

  • Times of India (2023) [1]
  • India TV (2023) [2]
  • Live Law (2023) [3]