SC allows termination of pregnancy at 26 weeks

Understanding what trauma might a woman have to undergo, breaking shackles of law, the Supreme Court of India on Monday passed a landmark verdict.

The Apex Court in an order allowed the state Health department to terminate pregnancy of a woman who is now in her 26th week of pregnancy and is undergoing treatment at SSKM Hospital.

However, the doctors at SSKM Hospital refused to say anything in the matter as they have not yet received a copy of the judgment.

The judgment is the fourth of its kind passed by the Supreme Court but first-ever for Bengal.

It was found during an ultrasound test that the women who is 26 week pregnant, is carrying a foetus that has a heart ailment. The doctors attending her suggested termination of pregnancy as if the baby was allowed to be born, then it will have serious problems. The treatment requires several heart surgeries and the chances of survival is minimal.

This might have tremendous impact on the mind of the mother. But they could not terminate pregnancy as the foetus was more than 20 weeks. The country's law does not allow termination of pregnancy after 20 weeks. Accordingly, a seven-member medical board was set up and the board echoed the recommendations of the doctors.

Finding no other option, the state government approached the Supreme Court for its decision in the matter.

The Supreme Court on Monday allowed termination of pregnancy on health grounds. The court observed that as the life of the baby is at great risk and that might affect the mother psychologically, termination of pregnancy on medical grounds has been allowed.

The patient whose identity has not been disclosed has welcomed the order.

The doctors said the law on abortion needs to be amended in view of progress in medical science. There are cases where termination of pregnancy beyond 20 weeks is a medical necessity but are not done because of the law. In such cases, the mothers give birth to the children who are either physically or mentally challenged and the parents have to bear the pain throughout their lives.

They said the matter relating to necessary amendment is lying before Parliament and a decision in the matter should be taken immediately.