Delhi HC Directs AIIMS To Examine Woman Seeking Medical Termination Of Her Pregnancy Of 27 Weeks

The Delhi High Court's bench of Justice Prathiba M. Singh on Friday directed the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) to constitute a medical board to examine a woman who had approached the Court seeking medical termination of her pregnancy.

It was the case of the Petitioner-woman that at 25 weeks of gestational age she underwent ultrasound, wherein for the first time some abnormalities in the foetus were found. Thereafter, she was referred to a foetal medicine expert. Accordingly, a foetal echocardiography was conducted which showed significant foetal abnormalities.

Advocate Anwesh Madhukar appeared for the petitioner whereas ASC Mehak Nakra and Advocate V.S.R. Krishna appeared for Respondents.

The Court noted that “The Court has perused the earlier ultrasound report of 5th January, 2023 when the gestation period was 18 weeks. It is noticed that no abnormalities were detected at that stage. On 17th February, 2023, at the time of the subsequent ultrasound the gestation period was 25 weeks and 3 days and on 25th February, 2023, when the foetal echocardiography was conducted the gestation period was 26 weeks and 3 days.”

The Court, considering the nature of the abnormalities, directed AIIMS to constitute a medical board.

“Considering the nature of the abnormalities, in accordance with the provisions for the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971, let the Medical Board be constituted by Respondent No.2 - All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) immediately.”, the Court directed.

The Court also directed the counsel for the AIIMS to inform the Counsel for the Petitioner about the location and the doctors before whom the Petitioner has to appear. The Court directed to mail the report of the medical board to the Court master by March 5. The Court listed the matter to March 6 for further hearing.

Cause Title- Mrs A v. GNCTD & Anr.

Click here to read/download Order