# MP High Court waives court approval for rape survivors’ abortions up to 24 weeks

2026-08-12T16:06:37+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 2 independent outlets

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has said rape, sexual assault and incest survivors do not need court approval to terminate pregnancies up to 24 weeks under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971. Justice Sandeep N Bhatt of the Indore bench made the observation on August 11 while dismissing a petition filed by the father of a 16-year-old seeking permission to terminate her 18-week pregnancy. The court cited a February 2025 ruling by its Jabalpur bench. The court said a registered medical practitioner may terminate pregnancies up to 20 weeks. Between 20 and 24 weeks, two registered medical practitioners are required. It directed the State Health Department Commissioner to inform hospitals, especially government facilities. The court also cited rules barring hospitals from demanding legal or magisterial documents before providing emergency care to children.

## Coverage

- indiatoday.in <https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/madhya-pradesh-high-court-rape-survivors-pregnancy-termination-24-weeks-no-court-approval-ptag-2969487-2026-08-12?utm_source=rss>
- thefederal.com <https://thefederal.com/category/states/north/madhya-pradesh/mp-high-court-says-rape-survivors-need-no-court-permission-for-abortion-up-to-24-weeks-253331>

Tags: abortion, Madhya Pradesh High Court, Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, POCSO, rape survivors, women’s rights
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