High court
Delhi High Court Directs Centre to Consider Representation on Allowing Termination of Pregnancy Beyond 24 Weeks
The Delhi High Court has directed the Centre to consider a representation seeking amendment to the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act to allow termination of pregnancy beyond 24 weeks. Background: The petition was filed by a 35-year-old woman who was denied permission to terminate her pregnancy at 25 weeks due to fetal abnormalities. Parties: The petitioner, Sunita, had approached the court after being denied permission by the hospital. Legal issues: The court considered the issue of whether the MTP Act should be amended to allow termination of pregnancy beyond 24 weeks in cases of fetal abnormalities. Court observations: The court observed that the issue requires consideration by the Centre and directed the government to examine the representation. Significance: The order is significant as it highlights the need for a review of the MTP Act to ensure that women have access to safe and legal abortion services beyond 24 weeks in exceptional cases.
