Gujarat HC denies permission for pregnancy termination of rape victim

Ahmedabad, Sept 12: The Gujarat High Court today denied permission for termination of pregnancy of a 14-year- old rape survivor, citing medical reports which said the 28-week foetus is developed to such an extent that its termination will put the life of the mother at risk.

Justice Sonia Gokani said the report submitted by medical experts of Sola Civil Hospital here suggested that the termination was not possible.

The court, however, directed the state government to take care of the victim and her child after birth under its various schemes.

The judge asked the government pleader to get details of the government-assisted NGOs operating around Dhoraji in Rajkot district, from where the victim hails, which can take care of the girl and her baby.

Justice Gokani also asked the government pleader to list the government schemes to help the victim and the orphanages, where the child could be raised.

The court directed the pleader to submit all the information regarding the NGOs, orphanages and government schemes on September 14, until which the victim will remain admitted to a hospital here. The minor was allegedly raped by a friend of her father in Dhoraji around seven months ago.

However, an FIR was lodged at Dhoraji police station on August 1 and the victim's parents moved a plea in the high court last week seeking termination of the pregnancy on the ground that it has caused her mental and physical trauma.

The accused in the case has been arrested. The HC had earlier directed Sola Civil Hospital here to conduct her physical and mental check-up. The medical report said the foetus cannot be terminated.

It also said the psychological assessment of the victim indicated that she was mentally fine.

PTI