#MTP Act

The Delhi High Court allowed medical termination of pregnancy for a 16-year-old rape survivor at 31 weeks, ruling that her reproductive autonomy under Article 21 outweighs the 24-week ceiling in the MTP Act. The decision expands access to safe abortion for minor survivors of sexual violence facing grave mental injury.

The Delhi High Court affirmed that a pregnancy of a girl under 18 cannot be terminated without the written consent of her guardian and that any such termination must be reported under the POCSO Act. This clarifies the dual pre-condition of guardian approval and statutory reporting for medical practitioners. The ruling binds doctors, hospitals and magistrates handling minor pregnancy cases.

Kerala High Court allows medical termination of pregnancy at 29 weeks due to severe fetal abnormalities, reinforcing the right to reproductive choice under Article 21. The ruling directs hospitals to comply with the Medical Board's recommendations, setting a precedent for similar cases involving fetal health risks.

The Bombay High Court held that the reproductive autonomy of a 34-year-old woman with moderate intellectual disability and autism, victimized by sexual assault, supersedes the statutory 24-week cap under the MTP Act. This ruling affirms that disability does not diminish bodily integrity under Article 21 and mandates medical boards to prioritize dignity over rigid timelines when assessing termination requests for vulnerable survivors.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court ruled that a rape survivor’s voluntary consent is decisive for medical termination of pregnancy, even beyond the 20-week limit, affirming bodily autonomy as a fundamental right under Article 21. The judgment removes procedural barriers for survivors seeking timely abortion, reinforcing that POCSO and MTP Act must be read harmoniously to protect dignity and health.

Karnataka High Court ruled that expert medical opinion from a constituted Medical Board prevails over the 24-week statutory limit under the MTP Act for termination of pregnancy in POCSO cases, where the survivor's health is at risk. The decision underscores the primacy of medical expertise in sensitive cases involving minors, setting a precedent for similar petitions.

Jharkhand High Court allows medical termination of pregnancy beyond 24 weeks for a 14-year-old rape victim, citing severe psychological trauma and Medical Board opinion. The ruling mandates state responsibility for expenses and fetal tissue preservation for DNA testing, setting a precedent for similar cases under the MTP Act.

MP High Court mandates constitution of a Medical Board to assess termination feasibility for minor sexual assault victims under the MTP Act, reinforcing procedural safeguards for reproductive rights. The ruling underscores the court's role in ensuring timely medical and legal intervention for vulnerable minors.

Bombay High Court permits termination of pregnancy at 27 weeks for a 12-year-old victim, holding that psychological health and social reputation override statutory gestational limits under the MTP Act. The ruling sets a precedent for judicial discretion in cases involving minors, emphasizing the need to prevent irreparable mental harm and family stigma.

Bombay High Court permits termination of pregnancy for a 12-year-old rape victim at 26-27 weeks, emphasizing medical assessment over rigid gestational limits under MTP Act.

Kerala High Court permits termination of 27-week pregnancy with Trisomy 21, affirming that substantial fetal abnormalities override gestational limits under MTP Act.

Delhi High Court held that the mental anguish from rape conclusively constitutes 'grave injury to mental health' under Section 3 of the MTP Act, allowing termination beyond 24 weeks. The ruling reinforces reproductive autonomy as a fundamental right under Article 21, setting a precedent for rape survivors seeking late-term abortions.

Punjab & Haryana High Court rules that minor victims of sexual assault can terminate pregnancies beyond the 20-week limit if a medical board certifies risks to physical or mental health, reinforcing reproductive autonomy under Article 21. This sets a precedent for prioritizing victim welfare over rigid gestational limits in cases of sexual violence.

Bombay High Court holds that claim of good faith under MTP Act for termination beyond 20 weeks cannot be decided at discharge stage; trial necessary to assess intent and medical necessity.

Bombay High Court directs Medical Board assessment for unmarried woman seeking abortion beyond 20 weeks, affirming reproductive autonomy under MTP Act, 1971.