Bombay High Court Approves Abortion for 14-Year-Old Rape Survivor at 24 Weeks of Pregnancy
- PRABHAT KUMAR BILTORIA
- 12 June 2025
The Bombay High Court has permitted the abortion of a 14-year-old rape survivor from Raigad, Maharashtra, who was 24 weeks pregnant. The court acted under exceptional circumstances in compliance with the MTP Act, ensuring both the minor’s health and justice under the POCSO Act.
Bombay High Court Approves Abortion for 14-Year-Old Rape Survivor at 24 Weeks
On June 11, 2025, the Bombay High Court granted permission for a 14-year-old girl from Raigad, Maharashtra, to terminate her 24-week pregnancy. The young girl had become pregnant following a sexual assault by someone she met through Instagram.
How the Case Came to Light
The case surfaced when the girl’s mother noticed her daughter had not menstruated for six months. Upon visiting a hospital, pregnancy was confirmed, and a First Information Report (FIR) was promptly filed against the accused.
Legal Hurdles Due to Advanced Pregnancy Stage
Under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, abortions up to 20 weeks can be performed without court approval. However, since the girl was already in her 24th week, legal intervention was necessary.
Advocate and Medical Board Step In
Advocate Manisha Jagtap, representing the minor, informed the court that the girl was neither mentally nor physically ready to carry the pregnancy to term. The High Court directed the Civil Surgeon of Alibaug‘s Civil Hospital to form a medical board to assess the girl’s condition and mental well-being.
Health Evaluation and Final Decision
The board’s report confirmed the girl was anemic and advised that the procedure could proceed only after correcting her hemoglobin levels. Once stabilized, doctors assured the court that no long-term reproductive harm would result from the abortion. With these assurances, the court gave its approval.
POCSO Court to Expedite Compensation
In addition to approving the abortion, the Bombay High Court instructed the trial court handling the case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act to expedite the interim compensation process for the victim.
