Today, On 6th February, Supreme Court allows termination of a 30-week unwanted pregnancy, emphasizing that reproductive autonomy is a fundamental right for women.The Court stated that no court can force a woman, especially a minor, to continue an unwanted pregnancy.
Yesterday, On 31st October, The Kerala High Court denied a 16-year-old rape survivor’s request to terminate her pregnancy. Justice V.G. Arun allowed the minor and her family the option to place the child for adoption after birth, if they wish. The court also instructed the state government to ensure the necessary legal steps are taken to facilitate this process.
The Kerala High Court upheld the reproductive rights and dignity of rape survivors, emphasizing the grave mental and physical health risks associated with continuing a pregnancy resulting from rape. The court recognized the fundamental right to autonomy in reproductive decision-making, allowing a 16-year-old survivor to terminate her pregnancy beyond the legally specified timeframe, considering her well-being and future care for the child if the fetus survived.
NEW DELHI: Last week , The Supreme Court noted that pregnancy is not exclusive to cisgender women but can also be experienced by individuals identifying as non-binary, transgender men, and various other gender identities. The clarification came during the adjudication of a case involving the termination of pregnancy for a 14-year-old girl who had been sexually assaulted.