HC directs govt to form medical panel

THE PETITIONER SAID THAT SHE IS A RAPE SURVIVOR AND DOES NOT WANT TO CONTINUE WITH THE PREGNANCY; SHE CAME TO KNOW OF IT ONLY AFTER 12 WEEKS

rape survivor from Dholpur, more than 14 weeks pregnant, has got relief from the Rajasthan high court on her plea to terminate the pregnancy.

The court has asked the state government to constitute a medical board to consider her abortion plea.

The girl had approached the sessions court to abort the pregnancy but her application was rejected. She then approached the high court, which sought the opinion of the state government.

On Thursday, the high court asked the government to constitute a medical board to examine the rape survivor and take a decision on the termination of pregnancy. The medical board will examine the girl and submit its report within three days.

The single bench of justice MN Bhandari gave the direction after the girl approached the high court. She has made the Dholpur collector, SP, and CMHO as respondents to the petition.

The petitioner said that she is a rape survivor and does not want to continue with the pregnancy. She came to know of the pregnancy only after 12 weeks.

As per section 3(2) of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971, a pregnancy may be terminated by a registered medical practitioner where the length of the pregnancy does not exceed 12 weeks.