Kochi: The Kerala HC has granted permission to a 14-year-old minor girl to terminate her 24 weeks pregnancy. The girl’s father had approached the court wanting permission for abortion as the minor was raped.
In a division bench of Justice AK Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice Shaji P Chaly issued the order pointing out that the freedom of the girl is of paramount importance in taking the decision on her pregnancy.
As far as the law is concerned, under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971, the court usually rejects pleas seeking permission for terminating pregnancy which exceeds 20 weeks.
But here the court allowed the girl to undergo termination as this was a special case.
The accused have been arrested by the police under POCSO act. In this background, the court ordered to carry out a DNA test of the baby for further proceedings in the case.
The High Court had considered the plea through video conference of court proceedings. Following this, the court has also ordered to form a medical board for the examination of the girl’s mental and health condition.
The board have reported regarding the matter and stated that continuing the pregnancy will put the 14-year-old girl’s life in danger.
The report of the medical board pointed out that pregnancy should be immediately terminated. The board also raised concern over the health of the girl’s child.
The court also sought the opinion of the gynaecologist who is a member of the medical board. Finally, the court issued the order by pointing out the previous verdicts of the Supreme Court.
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