A 31-year-old woman, while appearing in court, shared how a failed contraceptive led to her pregnancy and that she is no longer in a relationship with the man. After hearing her ordeal, the High Court permitted her to undergo Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP). She stated that the abortion was essential for her mental health.
The woman was 25 weeks pregnant. While hearing the case, the bench of Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Gauri Godse, understanding the urgency of the situation, gave immediate permission. Talking about her mental health, the woman shared that she has a long history of psychological issues, and in this situation, having a child from a relationship that is over would increase her trauma.
During the judgment, the bench accepted her situation and noted, “In these circumstances, the continuance of the pregnancy is causing her a tremendous amount of anguish, constituting grave injury to her mental health.”
What makes the situation even more difficult for the woman is that her parents aren’t aware of the pregnancy, and if they find out, she would be in a completely devastated and vulnerable situation.
She added, “I quit my job a few months back and instead of looking for a new job, I am visiting doctors and consulting them on the termination of the pregnancy.”
Upon hearing the petitioner’s side, the court said that the woman is disturbed and her situation has forced her into a state of distress, and she has made up her mind and has every right not to continue her pregnancy.
“The Petitioner is naturally apprehensive about social stigma as well as facing her own parents, who may not be supportive in the circumstances,” observed the bench, and asked her to bring her estranged partner to the chamber hearing.
The woman’s estranged partner, upon reaching the court, deposited Rs 1 lakh in her account for legal expenses and medical bills and also assured that he would visit the doctor when required. The bench appreciated the man’s behaviour and called him mature.
