Chhattisgarh HC Allows Termination of Minor Rape Survivor's Pregnancy
Update: 2024-12-17 05:36 GMT
Raipur: The Chhattisgarh High Court has granted permission for the medical termination of a 20-week-old pregnancy of a 17-year-old rape survivor who is also a sickle cell anemia patient.
The decision was delivered by Justice Naresh Kumar Chandravanshi, who noted that forcing the minor to continue the pregnancy could have severe physical, mental, and psychological consequences for both the victim and the fetus.
The case pertains to the sexual exploitation of the minor by the accused, who is now under arrest. The survivor had approached the court seeking termination of her pregnancy, citing concerns for her health and well-being.
The court directed the Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) of Balodabazar-Bhatapara to assess the feasibility of the procedure. The CMHO's medical report indicated that the survivor was over 20 weeks pregnant and severely anemic due to sickle cell disease. The report recommended termination of the pregnancy following treatment for anemia.
In its judgment, the court highlighted the survivor's young age, the trauma of sexual assault, and her socio-economic challenges. Justice Chandravanshi emphasized that denying her the option to terminate the pregnancy would violate her liberty and bodily autonomy.
The court's ruling underscores the significance of protecting the rights and well-being of survivors in such cases.
The decision was delivered by Justice Naresh Kumar Chandravanshi, who noted that forcing the minor to continue the pregnancy could have severe physical, mental, and psychological consequences for both the victim and the fetus.
The case pertains to the sexual exploitation of the minor by the accused, who is now under arrest. The survivor had approached the court seeking termination of her pregnancy, citing concerns for her health and well-being.
The court directed the Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) of Balodabazar-Bhatapara to assess the feasibility of the procedure. The CMHO's medical report indicated that the survivor was over 20 weeks pregnant and severely anemic due to sickle cell disease. The report recommended termination of the pregnancy following treatment for anemia.
In its judgment, the court highlighted the survivor's young age, the trauma of sexual assault, and her socio-economic challenges. Justice Chandravanshi emphasized that denying her the option to terminate the pregnancy would violate her liberty and bodily autonomy.
The court's ruling underscores the significance of protecting the rights and well-being of survivors in such cases.