Considerable risk of psychological complications: Delhi HC allows minor rape survivor to terminate pregnancy

Considering the psychological complications, the Delhi High Court has allowed a minor rape survivor's plea to medically terminate her pregnancy of 22 weeks. (Minor P vs State).The order was passed by a Single Judge Bench of Justice Vibhu Bakhru. .The rape survivor, P, aged about sixteen years had not been keeping well and one day fainted while she was cleaning the area behind her own jhuggi..When she regained consciousness, she found the accused standing there and suspected that something had happened. .Thereafter, she started feeling nauseous and dizzy but did not suspect that she was pregnant..Since her periods had stopped, a medical check-up was eventually conducted which revealed that she was pregnant..The incident was reported to the concerned police station and an FIR under Section 376 IPC and Section 6 of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 was registered. .Since P was at an advanced stage of pregnancy, the same could not be terminated by the concerned doctors and a petition was filed before the High Court. .After interacting with P through videoconferencing, the Court found that she was "under considerable distress". .The Court also considered the report of the Medical Board constituted by it to evaluate the risk of continuing with the pregnancy. .The report indicated that the pregnancy was 22 gestational weeks with a margin of error of plus/minus two weeks..It was revealed that the continuation of the pregnancy would result in psychological complications and the risks associated with the termination were what was acceptable and expected at this stage..In view of the above, the Court stated, .In view of the report and psychological assessment of the petitioner, it does appear that the petitioner is at considerable risk of psychological complications if the pregnancy is continued.Delhi High Court.It thus ordered that P be admitted to Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital for medcial termination of the pregnancy, subject to the results of certain tests to indicate any added risk..The Court recorded its appreciation for the concerned doctors of the Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital for promptly constituting the Medical Board in the case and disposed of the petition. .Advocate Anwesh Madhukar with Advocate Prachi Nirwan appeared for P. .Additional Standing Counsel Nandita Rao appeared for State. .Read the Order: