SC orders woman's examination over plea to abort 28-week-old foetus
New Delhi: The Supreme Court set up a medical board comprising doctors from the AIIMS to ascertain the health condition of a 28-week-old foetus and the pregnant woman who wanted to abort it on the ground of abnormality.
A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud asked the Centre, represented by Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, to ensure that the woman is examined at the earliest and the report of the medical board be submitted on November 20.
The petition, filed through advocate Garvesh Kabra, said that the foetus was suffering a cardiac disorder which might require immediate corrective open-heart surgeries after the delivery.
The woman's request for an abortion on November 9 was denied by the doctors on the ground that she was past the prescribed period within which she could undergo a medical termination of pregnancy.
"Hence the denial of her right to an abortion has caused the extreme anguish and has forced the woman to continue with her pregnancy while being aware that the foetus or the child after the birth would never survive a healthy and long life.
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.