Bombay HC: Girl, 15, has right to choose birth of 27-week fetus or MTP | Mumbai News – Times of India

MUMBAI: After a 15-year-old girl had a change of mind on medically terminating her 27-week pregnancy, the Bombay HC underlined her autonomy over her body and her right of choice in taking the decision. It said in case she again desires to terminate her pregnancy, she may do so.
Court said, “Notwithstanding that the petition was filed seeking permission to medically terminate the pregnancy but considering her changed stance and wishes and also conscious of the right of the petitioner to reproductive freedom, her autonomy over the body and her right to choice, we deem it appropriate to leave the decision of continuance of the pregnancy entirely up to the wishes of the petitioner.At the same time, we permit the petitioner to medically terminate the pregnancy, if she so desires.”
The minor, a child abuse survivor, had moved HC to permit medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) as she was over permissible 24-week limit. JJ Hospital board’s Aug 7 report said if the pregnancy is terminated now, the fetus may be born alive but will require intensive neonatal care and may be affected by complications. The board conclusively said as the girl is underage and it is a Pocso case, “carrying an unwanted pregnancy to term will cause mental stress to the mother”. It recommended an MTP. The girl and the mother “shared their wish to continue the pregnancy with an option to give away the child in the care and custody of state agencies… for rehabilitation by way of adoption or any other means”.