Kerala court allows abortion for 13-year-old sexual assault survivor

The Kerala High Court has allowed a 13-year old survivor of sexual assault to terminate her 26-week pregnancy. The court also observed that, allowing the pregnancy would remain a scar throughout the life and would be traumatic for the child as well as her parents. The girl was allegedly molested by her 14-year old brother.

Ernakulam (Kerala): In a special sitting, the Kerala High Court allowed a 13-year old survivor of sexual assault to terminate her 26-week pregnancy. The bench allowed the petition moved by the child's father in a special sitting on Monday. The court also ordered that the termination be done within 24 hours.

Earlier, the High Court had directed the formation of a medical board to examine the child and submit a report. The medical board had submitted the report last day. The Board found that the termination can be done even if it is subject to risks.

The termination of pregnancy was allowed legally if the embryo has grown up to 24 weeks. Since the child's pregnancy has the gestational age of 26 weeks, the single bench allowed the medical termination of pregnancy considering that she is a minor and has been raped.

The court also observed that, allowing the pregnancy would remain a scar throughout the life and would be traumatic for the child as well as her parents. The girl was allegedly molested by her 14-year old brother.