The Delhi High Court has stayed an order allowing a 24-year-old woman to undergo an abortion, citing the need for a thorough medical examination to determine the viability of the fetus. Background: The woman, who is 23 weeks pregnant, had approached the court seeking permission to terminate her pregnancy due to alleged fetal abnormalities. Parties: The petitioner, a 24-year-old woman, had filed a petition before the court, while the respondents included the Union of India and the Delhi government. Legal issues: The primary issue before the court was whether the woman could be allowed to undergo an abortion beyond the 20-week limit prescribed under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971. Court observations: The court observed that while the woman's plea was sympathetic, it was essential to balance her rights with the need to protect the fetus. The court also noted that the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act, 2021, allows for abortions up to 24 weeks under certain conditions. Significance: The case highlights the complexities surrounding abortion laws in India and the need for a nuanced approach to balance individual rights with the rights of the unborn child. The court's decision is likely to have significant implications for similar cases in the future.