Justice Served: Delhi High Court Allows Minor's Abortion Amidst Legal Hurdles

In a landmark decision, the Delhi High Court has authorized the termination of a 26-week pregnancy for a 16-year-old sexual assault survivor. The ruling came after both the survivor and her mother petitioned the court, citing enormous psychological distress.

Justice Manoj Jain instructed AIIMS to perform the procedure, overcoming statutory restrictions under the MTP Act that ordinarily disallow abortions past 20 weeks, and 24 weeks under specific circumstances like rape. The court considered previous judgments where late-term abortions were allowed.

The court underscored the severe mental trauma inflicted on the minor and mandated that the state cover all medical expenses. Emphasizing the gravity of the situation, the court directed AIIMS to document the procedure meticulously, while state authorities are to provide ongoing support if the baby is born alive.

(With inputs from agencies.)