Bombay High Court Upholds Teen's Right to Continue Pregnancy

The Bombay High Court has allowed a 17-year-old sexual abuse survivor to continue her pregnancy, stressing her rights to reproductive freedom and autonomy. Despite initially seeking termination, the teen later chose to deliver the baby, intending to marry the alleged abuser. The court emphasized her autonomy and right to choice.

The Bombay High Court allowed a 17-year-old sexual abuse survivor on Thursday to continue her pregnancy, mindful of her reproductive freedom and right to choice.

A division bench of Justices A S Gadkari and Neela Gokhale acknowledged that the teenager first sought to terminate the pregnancy but later opted to carry it to term, showing intent to marry the alleged abuser.

Recognizing the petitioner's right to reproductive freedom and bodily autonomy, the court stated she could terminate her 26-week pregnancy if she desired. However, it also confirmed her right to continue with it, given her expressed willingness.

The pregnancy was discovered during a check-up for fever, leading to a case against a 22-year-old man accused of sexual abuse. The minor moved to the HC for termination but later claimed the relationship was consensual and expressed intentions of marriage.

A state-run JJ hospital medical board, reporting no fetal abnormalities, found the minor not mentally fit for delivery. The high court noted both the teen and her mother's inclination to bring the pregnancy to full term.

(With inputs from agencies.)