Bombay High Court Dismisses MTP Plea as Teen Chooses Delivery Amid Severe Anaemia
The Bombay High Court was informed on Wednesday that a 15-year-old girl, who had sought medical termination of her pregnancy exceeding 28 weeks, has opted to deliver her child. This decision followed a critical assessment by the JJ Hospital medical board, which highlighted a severe threat to her life due to intense anaemia.
Court Observations and Family Decision
Justices Bharati Dangre and Manjusha Deshpande noted that the girl and her family were thoroughly briefed on the consequences of medical termination of pregnancy (MTP). They unanimously agreed that she would continue the pregnancy, and after childbirth, the baby would be handed over for adoption. The judges emphasized that this choice was made after careful consideration of the medical risks involved.
Medical Concerns and Initial Petition
The girl, represented by her father, approached the High Court seeking permission to terminate what was described as a "forced pregnancy." This move came after the Nashik district civil hospital's medical board advised against MTP, citing a haemoglobin level of 9.1 grams per deciliter (g/dl). In pregnant women, normal levels range from 11 to 14 g/dl, indicating that her condition could endanger her life during labour induction.
Further evaluation by the JJ Hospital board revealed even more alarming details: the girl was severely anaemic with a haemoglobin level of just 5.6 g/dl. Upon admission to the hospital on Tuesday, she received an immediate blood transfusion of one unit as primary treatment. The board concluded that, given her advanced stage of gestation, any intervention to terminate the pregnancy at this point posed significant risks to her life and long-term wellbeing.
Family's Focus on Health Over Stigma
During discussions with relatives and the girl herself, she was found to be comfortable addressing the issue. When presented with the option of continuing the pregnancy—accompanied by necessary antenatal care and delivering a full-term baby to allow time for her health to improve—the family unanimously agreed. The medical board remarked that the family was not disturbed by potential social stigma but was primarily concerned about the victim's health.
Although the board offered indoor treatment until delivery, the family declined. Their advocate, Vivekanand Krishnan, explained that they hail from Yeola, making travel to Mumbai very challenging due to the distance.
Court's Final Ruling and Directions
Dismissing the petition, the judges directed the girl to complete her full gestation period and permitted her to deliver at the hospital of her choice. They recommended the Nashik civil hospital, as the doctors there are already familiar with her medical condition, including her critically low haemoglobin levels. This decision underscores the court's prioritization of the girl's health and safety in light of the severe medical risks identified.
