Abortion of foetus suffering from myriad diseases allowed
The court directed JJ hospital doctors to terminate pregnancy and to file a detailed report.
Mumbai: The Bombay high court has allowed a woman to terminate her pregnancy after perusing a report submitted by the by JJ Hospital, informing that her foetus has multiple neurological diseases and there are no chances of recovery after birth. The woman was 26-weeks pregnant.
While passing the order the court said that “Petitioner under article 21 of the constitution of India has right to live life with dignity and it will be appropriate and in the interest of justice to permit the petitioner to undergo the medical termination of pregnancy under the provision of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971.”
In April, woman had approached the high court for a permission to terminate her foetus and on April 27 HC had asked JJ hospital dean to constitute a committee to examine the case and file a report.
The report was submitted on May 4. The court observed “It is certain that if the petitioner is allowed to give birth to foetus, there is substantial risk of serious physical handicap.” The court directed JJ hospital doctors to terminate pregnancy and to file a detailed report.