AIIMS Challenges HC Nod for Minor's Late-Term Abortion

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences on Thursday approached the Delhi High Court to challenge a single-judge bench's order permitting the termination of a 27-week pregnancy of a 16-year-old rape survivor.

- CORRESPONDENT

The institute raised serious medical concerns regarding the impact such a late-stage abortion could have on the minor's future reproductive health.

On June 30, a single judge of the Delhi High Court had granted permission for the termination of the minor's pregnancy, then at 26 weeks, based on her plea and her mother's support. The girl had approached the court after AIIMS doctors expressed legal limitations under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, which generally permits termination up to 20 weeks, and in special cases such as rape survivors, up to 24 weeks.

AIIMS contended that the pregnancy had already crossed 27 weeks, and a termination at this stage—likely requiring a cesarean section—could pose risks to the girl's long-term reproductive health. The medical board had evaluated her and found her otherwise physically fit to carry the pregnancy to term.