Gujarat HC permits medical termination of pregnancy for 14-year-old survivor

Gujarat High Court has granted permission for the medical termination of pregnancy for a 14-year-old rape survivor. The petition filed by the minor girl's father had sought directions for the termination of a pregnancy resulting from an alleged sexual assault, citing grave injury to her mental and physical health.

Following a previous court order on May 15, 2026, a medical panel at Zydus Medical College and Hospital, Dahod, examined the victim. The report, dated May 18, 2026, confirmed that the victim was carrying a foetus with a gestational age of 19 weeks and 5 days. The panel, comprising experts in gynecology, psychiatry, and radiology, declared the minor fit for a second-trimester medical pregnancy termination.

To ensure the decision was voluntary, Justice Vyas interacted with the victim virtually. The court noted that the girl "explicitly stated that she does not wish to carry the pregnancy" and expressed her desire for termination without any external pressure or coercion.

While permitting the procedure, the court addressed the state's request to preserve evidence for the ongoing criminal investigation. The Investigating Officer has been directed to collect and scientifically handle tissues from the foetus for DNA sampling to assist in the prosecution of the accused under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the POCSO Act.

The victim was aged 13 years and 8 months when the alleged offence took place in 2025. Based on the complaint, a FIR was registered with Sagtala Police Station in Dahod district, against the accused persons, for the offences punishable Sections 376(2)(j), 376(2)(n) of the Indian Penal Code and Sections 87, 132(2), 65(1) and 64(2)(M) of the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita 2023 and sections 3 and 4 of POCSO Act.