During a hearing on Friday, the Supreme Court allowed an 18-year-old girl to terminate her 30-week pregnancy, observing that a woman “cannot be compelled” to continue a pregnancy against her will.
A bench led by Justice B.V. Nagarathna set aside a Bombay High Court order that had denied permission for termination, reiterating that a woman’s reproductive autonomy prevails over the rights of an unborn child.
The court held that forcing a woman to carry an unwanted pregnancy would violate her bodily integrity and personal choice.
The apex court also noted that the medical board’s report did not indicate any grave risk to the girl if the pregnancy was terminated. It rejected the High Court’s view that continuation of pregnancy with the option of adoption was an adequate alternative.
The case pertains to a girl who conceived at the age of 17 from a relationship with a friend. Now 18 years and four months old, she approached the court citing severe mental trauma and social stigma associated with continuing the pregnancy.
