The Gujarat High Court on Wednesday granted permission to a 14-year-old rape victim from Dahod district to undergo termination of her 20-week pregnancy. The court directed authorities at Zydus Medical College and Hospital to perform the medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) after obtaining the victim's consent.
Court's Decision and Petition Details
Justice V K Vyas allowed the abortion after the victim, through her father, filed a petition urging the court to permit the termination at the earliest. The petition stated that this was in the victim's best interest, considering her physical health and the grave injury to her mental health caused by the rape incident.
Victim's Consent and Medical Opinion
After reviewing the medical opinion, the High Court interacted with the victim, who explicitly stated that she did not wish to carry the pregnancy. She voluntarily expressed her desire to terminate it, without any pressure or coercion from any person, including her parents. The court ordered the medical authorities at the Dahod hospital to undertake the necessary formalities after the victim provides proper authorization.
Provisions for the Newborn
The High Court also directed that if the baby is born alive during the procedure, the hospital shall ensure that the baby receives the best available medical treatment to develop into a healthy child.
DNA Sample Collection for Investigation
Additionally, the court instructed the doctors to take necessary tissue samples for DNA identification. These samples are to be handed over to the investigating officer to aid in the investigation related to an FIR filed at Sagtala police station under the provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
