Delhi High Court permits 16-year-old rape survivor to terminate 31-week pregnancy

The Delhi High Court noted that termination of pregnancy where a minor is a victim of rape has to be recognised as a human right, as it affects the dignified existence of a victim if the same is not permitted. | Photo Credit: The Hindu

The Delhi High Court has permitted termination of a 31-week pregnancy of a 16-year-old sexual assault victim, saying it would not be appropriate to expect the minor to take the burden of giving birth and raising a child.

The High Court noted that termination of pregnancy where a minor is a victim of rape cannot be reduced merely to be defined as the right of a sexually assaulted woman, but also has to be recognised as a human right as it affects the dignified existence of a victim if the same is not permitted.