#rape survivor rights

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has ruled that a Medical Board must be constituted immediately to evaluate the safety of terminating a pregnancy beyond 24 weeks in cases of minor rape survivors, affirming that the health and rights of the victim override procedural delays. This sets a critical precedent for expediting medical access in POCSO cases where gestational limits are exceeded, ensuring compliance with Supreme Court guidelines on reproductive autonomy and child welfare.

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.