Ahmedabad: The Gujarat High Court on Friday permitted a 16-year-old rape victim from Vatva to undergo termination of her 22-week pregnancy. The court directed the authorities at the Civil Hospital to carry out the medical termination of pregnancy after obtaining the victim's consent.
Court Order Details
Justice M R Mengdey allowed the abortion after the victim, through her father, filed a petition through advocate Zalak Suthar. The petition urged the court to permit abortion in the best interest of the victim, considering her physical health and the grave injury to her mental health caused by the rape incident.
Medical and Legal Procedures
After receiving a medical opinion, the High Court ordered the medical authorities to undertake the necessary formalities once the victim gives proper authorization. The court also stipulated that if the baby is born alive, the hospital shall ensure it receives the best medical treatment available to develop into a healthy child.
Additionally, the High Court directed doctors to take tissue samples for DNA identification and hand them over to the investigating officer. An FIR under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act has been filed at the Vatva police station.
This decision balances the victim's health and rights with legal requirements for evidence collection in the ongoing investigation.
