In a significant decision, the Bombay High Court has permitted a 19-year-old woman to undergo pregnancy termination for her 23-week pregnancy, citing severe mental stress and foetal anomalies. The court highlighted the critical role of mental health in reproductive rights.
The young woman, pregnant for the first time, approached the court after her partner reportedly refused to marry her. A medical board appointed by the court found that she was under severe mental stress and that the foetus had serious abnormalities, including brain swelling and critically low amniotic fluid levels. These conditions could lead to developmental delays and congenital syndromes.
The court, led by Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Dr. Neela Gokhale, ruled that continuing the pregnancy would cause the teenager further mental distress. They permitted her to undergo the termination at JJ Hospital after counselling. The court also directed the hospital to ensure her full recovery before discharge and instructed the state government to provide her compensation under a welfare scheme.
In case the child is born alive, the hospital must offer immediate medical care, and state agencies will take responsibility if the teenager or her family cannot care for the child.
This ruling highlights the judiciary’s focus on mental health and timely medical intervention in reproductive rights cases.
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