The Delhi High Court allowed a widow, suffering from depression, to terminate a 29-week foetus stating that continuation of pregnancy could impair her mental stability.
The woman lost her husband on October 19, 2023, and learned she was pregnant on October 31, 2023, according to the high court. As a result, her marital status changed. According to Justice Subramonium Prasad and as quoted by news agency PTI, the woman should be able to end her pregnancy because if she is allowed to carry it out, it may affect her mental health because she is exhibiting suicidal thoughts.
“Accordingly, the petitioner (woman) is permitted to undergo the procedure for termination of her pregnancy at AIIMS. AIIMS is requested to conduct the procedure even though the petitioner has crossed her gestation period of 24 weeks,” the high court said.
The court cited a ruling by the Supreme Court that concluded that each woman has the right to assess her life and determine the best course of action given the change in relevant circumstances.
The high court said, “The right to reproductive choice also includes the right not to procreate.”
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