The Supreme Court today strongly objected to a plea filed by AIIMS seeking to set aside its earlier order that permitted a 15-year-old girl to medically terminate her 30-week pregnancy.

 

The court also asked the Centre to consider amending the law to allow rape survivors to terminate unwanted pregnancies even beyond 20 weeks. It was observed that in cases of pregnancy arising from rape, there should not be a rigid time limit. The court stressed that the law must remain organic and aligned with changing times. 

 

A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi said this was a case of child rape. It is noted that the survivor will carry lifelong trauma if the termination is not allowed. The court added that if the mother does not suffer from any permanent medical disability, the procedure should be permitted. It also directed AIIMS to counsel the parents of the survivor on the issue. The court underlined that the final decision must rest with the person concerned.