Chhattisgarh High Court Allows Minor Rape Survivor to Terminate 25-Week Pregnancy
The Chhattisgarh High Court has granted permission for a minor sexual assault survivor to terminate her 25-week pregnancy, citing the lifelong stigma and psychological trauma associated with forced motherhood. Justice Naresh Kumar Chandravanshi ruled that compelling the victim to continue the unwanted pregnancy would violate her fundamental right to liberty and personal choice. The decision was influenced by medical reports indicating that the fetus suffered from serious abnormalities, including atrioventricular septal defect and absent stomach bubble, which could lead to severe physical and mental health issues. Additionally, the court acknowledged the social stigma faced by victims of sexual exploitation. The minor, whose assailant was charged under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the POCSO Act, was deemed medically fit for the procedure. The court directed the Chief Medical and Health Officer to ensure the termination is conducted without delay under the supervision of at least two doctors, including a gynecology specialist. Authorities were also ordered to preserve DNA samples from the fetus as evidence for the ongoing criminal case, ensuring both legal justice and the victim's healthcare needs are met promptly.
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Chhattisgarh High Court Allows Minor Rape Survivor to Terminate 25-Week Pregnancy
The Chhattisgarh High Court has granted permission for a minor sexual assault survivor to terminate her 25-week pregnancy, citing the lifelong stigma and psychological trauma associated with forced motherhood. Justice Naresh Kumar Chandravanshi ruled that compelling the victim to continue the unwanted pregnancy would violate her fundamental right to liberty and personal choice. The decision was influenced by medical reports indicating that the fetus suffered from serious abnormalities, including atrioventricular septal defect and absent stomach bubble, which could lead to severe physical and mental health issues. Additionally, the court acknowledged the social stigma faced by victims of sexual exploitation. The minor, whose assailant was charged under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the POCSO Act, was deemed medically fit for the procedure. The court directed the Chief Medical and Health Officer to ensure the termination is conducted without delay under the supervision of at least two doctors, including a gynecology specialist. Authorities were also ordered to preserve DNA samples from the fetus as evidence for the ongoing criminal case, ensuring both legal justice and the victim's healthcare needs are met promptly.
The Indian Express