HC asks PGIMER Chandigarh if minor’s 27-week pregnancy can be terminated

The court acted on the plea of the minor girl’s parents, who had sought directions to PGIMER to medically examine the girl through its permanent medical board as “there is an imminent danger to her life”

The Punjab and Haryana high court has asked PGIMER, Chandigarh, to examine whether the 27-week pregnancy of a minor girl can be terminated.

The minor’s parents told HC that it will be humiliating and dangerous to her life to give birth to a child keeping in view her tender age. (HT)

The court acted on the plea of the girl’s parents, who had sought directions to PGIMER to medically examine the girl through its permanent medical board as “there is an imminent danger to her life”.

It was stated that the minor was over 27 weeks pregnant, owing to the misdeeds of her neighbour. An FIR has already been registered against the accused. “It will be humiliating and dangerous to her life to give birth to a child keeping in view her tender age. There is a substantial risk in case of delivery of a child and the minor may suffer physical and mental abnormalities,” her parents had submitted before the court.

As per the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971, for terminating pregnancy up to 12 weeks, satisfaction of one medical practitioner is required. If the pregnancy is between 12 and 20 weeks, satisfaction of two medical practitioners is required. In case its past 20 weeks, the opinion of a medical board is required. In the case of a minor, consent of the parents is required for termination of pregnancy.

Taking note of the plea, the high court bench of justice Raj Mohan Singh directed PGIMER that the girl be medically examined by a duly constituted medical board on Wednesday and the assessment report, if possible, be submitted by afternoon.