Tue Mar 04 02:49:43 UTC 2025: ## Orissa High Court Allows 13-Year-Old Rape Survivor to Terminate 27-Week Pregnancy
**Bhubaneswar, Odisha:** The Orissa High Court on Monday granted permission for a 13-year-old rape survivor to medically terminate her 27-week pregnancy, citing grave risks to her life and well-being. The minor, a member of a Scheduled Tribe community from Kandhamal district, suffers from sickle cell anaemia and epilepsy, conditions that significantly increased the dangers associated with childbirth.
The girl was repeatedly raped last year but, due to threats, did not report the crime until her deteriorating health prompted her mother to seek medical attention. The pregnancy, exceeding the 24-week limit under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, was confirmed on February 11th, following an FIR.
A medical board convened by the MKCG Medical College and Hospital at Berhampur determined that carrying the pregnancy to term would severely endanger the minor’s physical and mental health. The state government, acknowledging the potential violation of her fundamental rights under Article 21 of the Constitution, did not oppose the petition for termination.
Justice S K Panigrahi, in his judgment, highlighted the importance of bodily autonomy and reproductive rights. While acknowledging the minor’s inability to make an informed choice, the court emphasized the representation provided by her legal guardians. The judge also criticized delays in such cases, urging a streamlined process for medical terminations.
The court ordered the Odisha government to create a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) within six months to ensure timely access to reproductive healthcare, reduce bureaucratic obstacles, and improve law enforcement response to similar cases. The SOP aims to minimize delays and ensure victims receive necessary medical care promptly.
First Piper 