High court
Delhi High Court Upholds Order Allowing Termination of Pregnancy at 24 Weeks
The Delhi High Court has upheld an order allowing the termination of a 24-week pregnancy, citing the risk to the mother's life and the fetus's abnormalities. Background: The petitioner, a 25-year-old woman, had approached the court seeking permission to terminate her pregnancy, which was beyond the 20-week limit prescribed under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act. Parties: The petitioner was represented by advocate Sneha Mukherjee, while the respondents included the Union of India and the Delhi government. Legal issues: The court considered the provisions of the MTP Act and the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act, 2021, which allows for the termination of pregnancy up to 24 weeks under certain conditions. Court observations: The court observed that the petitioner's life was at risk due to the pregnancy and that the fetus had abnormalities, making it a compelling case for allowing the termination. Significance: The judgment highlights the importance of considering the mother's health and well-being in cases where the pregnancy poses a risk to her life. It also underscores the need for a more nuanced approach to the MTP Act, taking into account advancements in medical technology and the changing social landscape.
