Kerala HC allows early delivery for 31-week pregnant minor

Kochi, Jul 9 (PTI) The Kerala High Court on Thursday allowed a 15-year-old girl, who was 31 weeks pregnant, to undergo early delivery of her baby. The court granted the relief after noting that the girl and her family did not wish to continue with the pregnancy, as she was a minor and a student. It had ordered the constitution of a medical board, which, in its report, stated that the delivery could be induced early. The girl and her mother also told the court that they were prepared to take care of the baby after delivery. The High Court observed that the Supreme Court has categorically held that “no one can compel a woman, much less an unmarried girl, under any circumstances, to continue a pregnancy, and what matters is whether the pregnant woman intends to do so.” It directed the Superintendent of Kottayam Government Medical College Hospital to permit the minor girl to undergo early delivery through induced labour, after obtaining a written undertaking from her and her mother stating that she was willing to undergo the procedure. The mother had approached the High Court seeking termination of the pregnancy or early delivery through induction of labour, as she did not want her daughter to continue with the pregnancy. According to the mother, the girl became pregnant following sexual contact with her minor boyfriend. PTI HMP SSK