HC issues norms for 24-week abortion pleas

COURT DIRECTED MEDICAL BOARDS TO SUBMIT CLEAR AND SPECIFIC REPORTS ON THE GESTATIONAL AGE, AND RISK TO LIVES

- Shruti Kakkar

The Delhi High Court has directed medical boards assessing requests for termination of pregnancy beyond 24 weeks to submit clear and specific reports detailing the exact gestational age, the victim’s physical and mental fitness to undergo the procedure, and whether termination would pose any risk to the victim's life.

‘A bench of justice, Swarana Kanta Sharma, ina December 15 ruling released on Saturday, said courts cannot rely on vague or qualified medical opinions while deciding such sensitive matters. “It is essential that the doctors concerned... give a clear and specific opinion, and nota vague or qualified opinion capable of being interpreted in more than one manner,” the court said, noting that judicial authorities must necessarily depend on expert medical assessments to make informed decisions.