Panel to decide abortion option for rape survivor

Awarding its decision on the plea of a 15-year-old pregnant rape survivor, the Delhi high court directed that AIIMS formulate a panel of three gynecologists and one clinical psychologist promptly and decide on the repercussions of the abortion by Wednesday.

The court has directed the panel to go ahead with the abortion if their report allowed the procedure. The bench also directed that a tissue sample be preserved for DNA analysis for evidence and in the kidnapping case.

Keeping in mind the health concerns and risk of aborting the fetus, the court had earlier directed the Delhi government to constitute a panel of three doctors to give its considered opinion on the physical and mental health of the teenager by Monday.

The court had initially directed Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital to constitute the panel, but was informed that the hospital did not have a psychiatrist. The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971, allows abortions within 12-20 weeks of conception if two doctors agree there are complications.