The Supreme Court of India on Thursday directed AIIMS-Delhi to proceed with the termination of a 15-year-old girl's 30-week pregnancy, rejecting the hospital's repeated requests for reconsideration based on health risks to the minor and the fetus. The court emphasized that the government must respect the minor's decision and cannot force her to become a mother against her will.
According to the court order, the teenager, who is a survivor of sexual assault, had sought termination under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, which allows termination up to 24 weeks with exceptions for special cases. The court had initially granted permission on April 28, 2026, but AIIMS sought review, citing potential complications.
Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, heading the bench, stated that the hospital's concerns, while valid, did not outweigh the minor's right to bodily autonomy and mental well-being. The court noted that continuing the pregnancy could cause severe psychological trauma.
The AIIMS medical board had earlier assessed the case and flagged risks of preterm labor and infection. However, the Supreme Court ruled that the procedure must be conducted with utmost care by a specialized team. The hospital is expected to comply immediately.
This case highlights the ongoing legal and ethical debates around abortion rights in India, particularly for minors and survivors of sexual violence. The court's decision reinforces the primacy of the pregnant person's choice in such matters.
