Supreme Court Drops Contempt Case in 30-Week Pregnancy Termination

The Supreme Court concluded contempt proceedings against the Centre and AIIMS concerning the termination of a 30-week pregnancy of a minor. The court emphasized the serious implications of late-term pregnancy terminations and highlighted the need for prompt decisions to prevent risks to minors.

The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed contempt proceedings against the Centre and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in relation to the termination of a 30-week pregnancy of a minor girl. A bench of Justices B V Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan was informed by Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati that its earlier order from April 24 had been complied with.

'We do not find any reason to consider this contempt petition any further. Hence, the contempt proceedings against the respondents are dropped,' the bench stated. Justice Nagarathna remarked that though such directions are complicated, decisions must be made without emotional interference.

Concerns were raised about the rise in unwanted pregnancies, with Justice Nagarathna stressing the necessity for AIIMS to act or potentially endanger women's lives, who may turn to unqualified doctors. The issue of reproductive autonomy was highlighted, and the need to amend laws for cases beyond 20 weeks was discussed.