The Bombay High Court recently gave an important verdict, allowing a woman to seek medical assistance to terminate a foetus after a pregnancy of more than 35 weeks. Know the full news? 
Bombay High Court:-The Bombay High Court recently gave permission for a woman, who was over 35 weeks pregnant, to undergo an abortion through a procedure that would stop the fetal heartbeat. The woman, aged 26, had discovered the abnormalities in her fetus just a month ago. As a result, she approached the court to seek approval for terminating the pregnancy.
According to the medical board report from the AGJ Hospital, the fetus had a congenital condition known as macrosephaly, where the head is abnormally large. Additionally, the fetus was found to have other serious conditions, including brain-related issues, intellectual disability, problems with movement, poor eyesight, and developmental delays. These problems could have led to a very difficult life for the child.
Faced with these serious concerns, the woman approached the Bombay High Court, requesting the medical board’s approval to perform an abortion beyond the legally permitted 20-week limit. The woman cited the 2018 Central Guidelines, which allow for exceptions in such cases under certain medical conditions.
The medical report indicated that the fetus had significant medical issues that would severely affect its quality of life. Given this, the woman requested the court to allow the procedure to end her pregnancy based on the recommendation of the medical board.
Court’s Decision and Rationale
The court took several factors into consideration before making its decision. It emphasized the importance of reproductive freedom, which includes a woman’s right to make decisions about her own body. The court also considered the woman’s medical condition and the recommendations of the medical board. After reviewing all the facts, the court concluded that the woman should be allowed to terminate her pregnancy.
In making its decision, the court respected the woman’s autonomy over her body and her ability to make choices regarding her health and reproductive rights. It also considered that continuing the pregnancy would likely lead to severe consequences for both the woman and the fetus.
This ruling marks a significant moment in reproductive rights, especially in cases where severe medical conditions are involved. The Bombay High Court has recognized that a woman’s health and well-being are paramount and that in certain circumstances, it is necessary to allow medical procedures that are otherwise restricted by law.
By granting permission for the abortion beyond the usual 20-week limit, the court has upheld the rights of the woman to make choices that best suit her circumstances, while taking into account the medical evidence and the potential hardships the fetus would face.
