Court permits minor rape victim to undergo abortion
By IANSMonday, May 10, 2010
GANDHINAGAR - The Gujarat High Court Monday allowed a minor rape victim’s pregnancy to be terminated in Surendranagar district.
Setting aside a sessions judge’s order denying permission to the 13-year-old to abort, Justice Anant Dave said that abortion of a rape victim was not barred under law and was upheld by the Supreme Court.
Justice Dave also stated that carrying the pregnancy to term would result in considerable physical and mental trauma to the minor.
The court directed a doctor of the Surendranagar Government General Hospital to terminate the said pregnancy with two other qualified gynecologists only if the minor was found fit.
Medical reports produced in the court say the girl is fit for abortion.
The girl was allegedly raped by Ghanshaymsinh Rajput for over a year. The parents of the girl approached the high court seeking permission for abortion after a sessions judge rejected their plea.
The sessions judge had observed that the minor was fit to carry out pregnancy. Justice Dave set aside the order.
