In response to a plea from a woman seeking a late-term abortion due to financial constraints, the Supreme Court has instructed the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) to establish a medical board to assess her and her 25-week foetus’ physical condition. Justices Dipankar Datta and Satish Chandra Sharma, sitting on a vacation bench, mandated that the medical board submit its report by May 27.
The woman, who disclosed her pregnancy on May 17, emphasized her financial struggles, stating she traveled from Dubai and is currently residing in a local hotel. Her legal counsel pleaded with the bench to grant permission for the termination of her pregnancy.
The bench, acknowledging the circumstances, has slated the matter for further consideration next Monday.
The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act dictates that abortions beyond 24 weeks can only be permitted under specific conditions, such as severe foetal abnormalities or if the procedure is deemed necessary to safeguard the mother’s life.
This directive by the Supreme Court underscores the complex ethical and legal considerations surrounding late-term abortions, balancing the rights of the pregnant woman with the protection of foetal life. The decision to constitute a medical board reflects the court’s commitment to ensuring that such sensitive matters are evaluated thoroughly and impartially, taking into account both medical expertise and the individual circumstances of the petitioner.
