Supreme Court Rejects Widow's Plea To Abort 32-Week Pregnancy, Suggests Giving Child For Adoption

The Supreme Court on Wednesday (January 31) refused to allow a woman to terminate her pregnancy which was over 32-weeks.

A bench comprising Justices Bela M Trivedi and Prasanna B Varale, noting that the medical board has opined against the termination of pregnancy, rejected the woman's plea. The bench suggested that the woman could give up the child for adoption if she wanted.

The woman approached the Supreme Court challenging a Delhi High Court's order which rejected her plea. On January 5, the High Court had allowed the woman to terminate the pregnancy, which was at 29 weeks then, considering the fact that she was suffering from extreme trauma after her husband's death. Later, the Central Government filed an application seeking the recall of the order, saying that the child has a fair chance of survival and the court should consider protecting the right to life of the unborn infant.

AIIMS had also moved court submitting that the outcome will be much better if the child is delivered at 34 weeks of pregnancy or beyond. It also said it is advisable that the pregnancy be continued for another two or three weeks for the betterment of the health of the mother and the minor.

Considering the recall application of the Centre and the stand of the AIIMS, the High Court on January 23 recalled the first order which allowed the termination of pregnancy.

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