MP High Court Rejects MTP Plea for 29-Week Pregnant Minor

The MP High Court denies MTP nod to a 16-year-old rape survivor who is 29 weeks pregnant after she clearly stated that she wants to continue the pregnancy. The court ruled that medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) cannot be carried out without the survivor’s consent, particularly at such an advanced stage where medical risks are significantly higher.
The order was passed by the Madhya Pradesh High Court after reviewing medical board findings, counselling reports, and the survivor’s statement.

Survivor Refuses Consent for Medical Termination

During the hearing, the minor survivor made her position clear. She declined permission for termination and expressed her desire to give birth to the child. She also informed the court that she has married the accused.
Justice Vishal Mishra observed that the survivor’s parents have disowned her, leaving her without family support. However, the court emphasised that consent is legally mandatory for MTP, regardless of age or circumstances.
As a result, the MP High Court denies MTP nod, respecting the survivor’s stated choice.

Medical Board Warns of High-Risk Late-Term MTP

A government medical board assessed the survivor’s condition and advised against termination at 29 weeks of gestation. According to the doctors, late-term MTP could endanger both the girl and the fetus.

From a medical standpoint, termination at this stage increases the risk of:

Severe haemorrhage
Infection
Preterm complications
Long-term reproductive harm

Taking these risks into account, the court accepted the medical opinion and declined permission for termination.

Delivery to Take Place Under Specialist Care

The High Court directed that the delivery should be conducted at Hamidia Hospital in Bhopal. An expert medical team will oversee the childbirth to ensure safe obstetric care.
This step aims to reduce complications and provide continuous medical monitoring during labour and delivery.

Child Welfare Committee to Support the Survivor and the Child

Given the survivor’s age and lack of parental support, the court instructed the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) of Sehore district to take responsibility for her care and that of her child until she turns 18.
The case was taken up by the High Court on its own motion after a reference from the Sehore district court, highlighting judicial oversight in cases involving minors and reproductive health.

Conclusion

This ruling reinforces a critical principle in reproductive healthcare: a woman’s informed consent is central to medical decision-making, even in cases involving sexual assault and minors.

It also underlines the importance of:

Medical risk assessment in late-stage pregnancies
Respect for patient autonomy
Coordinated legal and healthcare support for vulnerable survivors

Once again, the MP High Court denies MTP nod by balancing medical safety, ethical practice, and the survivor’s expressed wishes.

Source: Inputs from various media Sources

Priya Bairagi

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I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.