HC allows minor girl to abort 21-wk foetus

Jodhpur: The Rajasthan High Court on Tuesday allowed a minor girl to terminate her 21 week pregnancy. The court gave this permission on the plea of the girl’s mother directing that the procedure will be followed by an undertaking by the parents of the girl. The division bench comprising Justice P S Bhati and Justice Sandeep Mehta was hearing a petition by one Samdu Devi seeking permission for the termination of the pregnancy of her minor daughter bearing 21-week foetus and in alternate, to direct the respondent for a compensation of Rs 50 lakh for her own welfare and for the welfare of her ward.

The petition had been referred to division bench by a vocational single bench with recommendation to decide the petition on priority basis considering the pregnancy. Vyas said that before arriving at this decision, the division bench sought a medical report on the condition of foetus and risks involved, if any.

“On Tuesday, the report was produced in the court by the doctors, who told the court that though the foetus was 21 weeks but considering the condition of the foetus and the girl, abortion could be administered,” said Vyas.

He said on doctors’ assurance, the court allowed the abortion, stipulating that girl’s parents would give a written undertaking for it.

The girl had been allegedly kidnapped and ‘raped’ by one Gopal. Later, she became pregnant.