Now Reading: MP High Court waives court approval for rape survivors’ abortions up to 24 weeks
-
01
MP High Court waives court approval for rape survivors’ abortions up to 24 weeks
MP High Court waives court approval for rape survivors’ abortions up to 24 weeks
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,…
The Story in Brief
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.
The Indian Opinion
The lazy claim that every abortion after 20 weeks now needs no safeguards is wrong. The ruling keeps the medical requirements in place, including two practitioners for pregnancies beyond 20 weeks. The opposite claim, that survivors must first win a court order, is equally misleading and can add delay to a traumatic case. The practical test is whether hospitals circulate and follow the order, and whether survivors can access care before the 24-week limit.
Sources (2): indiatoday.in, thefederal.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
