Supreme Court Upholds Decision: Choice Stays with Minor Rape Victim

The Supreme Court declined to review its earlier ruling terminating a 30-week unwanted pregnancy of a 15-year-old rape victim. Emphasizing the importance of the victim's choice, the Court noted the potential trauma of forcing a child into motherhood. Media sensitivity was urged given the case's nature.

The Supreme Court has upheld its April 24 decision to allow the termination of a 30-week pregnancy involving a 15-year-old rape victim, despite renewed objections. The bench, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, emphasized the importance of the minor’s choice in such sensitive cases.

Representatives from AIIMS had urged reconsideration, citing the advanced stage of pregnancy and potential health ramifications for both the unborn child and the minor, including severe deformities and future reproductive challenges. However, the Court maintained its position, highlighting the emotional and psychological traumas the young victim would endure if forced to carry to term.

The CJI stressed that the choice of whether to terminate or continue the pregnancy should reside solely with the victim, asserting that the state cannot mandate motherhood upon a child. Additionally, a call for media discretion was made to protect the victim’s privacy amidst the public scrutiny of this deeply sensitive case.