Court allows disabled rape survivor abort 28-week foetus

A pregnant woman with 80% disability, who was raped by her neighbour, terminated her 28-week foetus on Tuesday after the Madras High Court allowed her to undergo the procedure.

- R SIVAKUMAR @ Chennai

Under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Rules, termination of a foetus is allowed only up to 24 weeks.

The woman is suffering from Friedreich's Ataxia, a rare neurological condition that has led to paralysis of her limbs and 80% permanent physical impairment.

The woman's mother did not notice her pregnancy in the early stages because of her condition. After noticing bodily changes, the woman took her daughter to the Government Medical Hospital in Chengalpattu where doctors confirmed that she was in her 28th week of pregnancy.