Gujarat High Court Approves Abortion of 28-Week Fetus; Imposes Conditions to Ensure Child's Well-being

Ahmedabad : In a landmark decision, the Gujarat High Court has approved the abortion of a 28-week fetus, the longest gestation period for which abortion has been allowed in the state. The court, however, has imposed certain conditions to safeguard the child's well-being.

The decision comes in response to a petition filed by the family of a 16-year-old girl who was raped and became pregnant. The High Court, after considering a report from Bhavnagar Hospital, granted permission for the abortion with certain stipulations.

The court has mandated that the hospital must submit a detailed affidavit before proceeding with the procedure. Additionally, if the child shows signs of life during the abortion, the hospital and the government must take full responsibility for its care. This includes providing all necessary medical attention and ensuring the child's well-being in the future.

The court's decision highlights the delicate balance between the woman's right to bodily autonomy and the protection of the unborn child. The conditions imposed by the court aim to ensure that the child's interests are not compromised in the process of abortion.

This ruling marks the second time in four months that the Gujarat High Court has approved abortion beyond the 24-week limit, typically considered the threshold for viability. Both cases involved rape victims, demonstrating the court's sensitivity towards the plight of such women.