Ahmedabad: Gujarat High Court has refused permission for abortion to a 17-year-old rape survivor, who was impregnated allegedly by her brother. Her pregnancy was in an advanced stage and the doctors have opined against medical termination of pregnancy.Justice M R Mengdey rejected the minor’s petition seeking directions to the medical authority at Surat’s New Civil Hospital to terminate her pregnancy, as she did not desire to give birth to the child considering the stigmatic situation.Earlier this week, HC had ordered her medical examination. The doctors had stated that her pregnancy was between 34 and 36 weeks with a live foetus of effective foetal weight 2,112g. The experts conveyed to HC that considering the risk associated with termination of pregnancy at this gestational age and for a better outcome in future pregnancy, it was advisable to continue with the pregnancy till the child is delivered. The report pointed at the foetal and maternal complications and advised against termination of pregnancy.While rejecting the request for abortion, HC directed the New Civil Hospital authorities at Surat to take all the steps required to keep the victim and her future child healthy. It has ordered periodical health check-ups for the mother and child to be born.HC further clarified that in case the girl was not desirous of keeping the child, the authorities would ascertain her wish, and the newborn should be handed over to a specialised adoption agency in Surat under the supervision of the chief welfare committee.The state govt was ordered to pay all the medical costs of delivery including expenses towards treatment and nutrition of the minor girl and the newborn, and all postpartum expenses for six months, said the survivor’s advocate Dipmala Desai.HC directed the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) to pay interim compensation, and supervise the process of handing over the child for adoption to the specialised adoption agency.
