New Delhi, July 28: The abortion plea of a 10-year-old rape survivor was rejected by the Supreme Court on Friday, citing the risk posed to her life. The Chandigarh-based victim’s petition was taken up by the court on Wednesday, after a lower court had turned down her appeal.
The bench comprising of Chief Justice of India J S Khehar and Justice D Y Chandrachud dismissed the abortion plea, noting that the foetus is now 32-week-old, which pragmatically minimises the scope of abortion. The apex court’s observation was based upon the report they acquired from the medical board of PGI, Chandigarh. The report was submitted to the bench in a sealed envelope.
As per the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971, abortion is not permitted after foetus grows 20 weeks old. The amendment to the existing law was moved during the erstwhile government’s tenure, seeking to increase the permissible period of abortion from 20 to 24 weeks. However, the amendment awaits Cabinet approval.
