Doctors decide: On legal abortion
The Supreme Court's move to potentially remove time limits for abortion in minor rape cases, challenging the 24-week gestation norm, raises significant concerns. While aiming to uphold reproductive autonomy for minors unwilling to continue forced pregnancies, the decision seemingly sidelines essential clinical review. Opposing views, like AIIMS, stress severe health risks for teenage mothers from late-term (30 weeks) terminations, which current law restricts. The author questions the safety of uninformed decisions, emphasizing that crucial medical assessment of gestational age is vital. Prioritizing autonomy without adequate medical oversight, especially for minors, could dangerously compromise a woman's health and life.
The Hindu · The Hindu · May 4, 2026 at 3:16 AM