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SC asks Centre to consider amending law on terminating pregnancy of rape survivors
The Supreme Court urged the Centre to consider amending the law to allow rape survivors to terminate unwanted pregnancies beyond 20 weeks, stating there should be no time limit in such cases. This follows the court's earlier order allowing a 15-year-old rape survivor to terminate a 30-week pregnancy and emphasizes the survivor's autonomy in decision-making.
Why It Matters
If enacted, the change could expand the legal window for terminating pregnancies resulting from rape and influence reproductive rights and policy in India, reflecting evolving views on trauma and autonomy.
Timeline
2 Events
SC asks Centre to amend law to allow rape survivors to terminate beyond 20 weeks
April 30, 2026
The Supreme Court, while expressing strong concerns about AIIMS's plea, urged the Centre to consider amending the law to permit terminating unwanted pregnancies for rape survivors even beyond 20 weeks. The bench said there should not be a time limit in pregnancies resulting from rape and stressed the need for a law that is in sync with evolving times. It highlighted the survivor's autonomy in deciding the termination with AIIMS to counsel the parents. It noted the pregnancy is of a 15-year-old and emphasized the possibility of adoption, while recognizing the lifelong trauma and health issues a minor mother could face. The court said the decision on termination should be the survivor's with support from her parents and AIIMS to help them make an informed choice.
SC Allows 30-Week Termination for 15-Year-Old Rape Survivor
April 24, 2026
A bench of Justices B V Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan allowed the 15-year-old rape survivor to medically terminate her 30-week pregnancy.