Telangana HC denies abortion plea for minor’s advanced twin pregnancy

The Telangana High Court has refused to allow the medical termination of a 28-week twin pregnancy carried by a minor, citing serious health risks. The petition was filed by the girl’s mother under the MTP (Amendment) Act, 2021. Based on a report from a medical board at Niloufer Hospital, the court determined that the procedure was inadvisable.

By Legal Correspondent

Hyderabad: Justice Nagesh Bheemapaka of the Telangana High Court on Wednesday declined to permit the medical termination of a 28-week twin pregnancy carried by a minor girl, citing concerns over the safety of the procedure at such an advanced stage of gestation. The Court was hearing a petition filed by the mother of the minor, who sought directions to the Medical Superintendent of Niloufer Hospital to constitute a medical board under the provisions of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act, 2021, and to allow termination of the pregnancy.

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In earlier proceedings, the Court had directed the Medical Superintendent to form a medical board and submit a report assessing the feasibility and medical advisability of termination. Upon examining the report, the bench concurred with the expert opinion that terminating the pregnancy at 28 weeks posed serious health risks to the minor and was not advisable. In light of the medical board’s recommendation, the Court declined to grant permission for termination and directed that the girl should not be discharged until delivery.

The bench further instructed hospital authorities to ensure that all necessary medical care is provided to safeguard the minor’s health. Additionally, the Court directed the Department of Women and Child Welfare to extend support to the minor through the Sakhi Centre and to coordinate any further care needed during the course of the pregnancy. Police protection was also ordered to be made available, if required, to ensure the safety and well-being of the minor.