SC allows Gujarat rape victim to terminate pregnancy

Observing that pregnancy outside marriage is injurious and a cause of stress, the Supreme Court on Monday allowed a rape victim from Gujarat to terminate her 27-week pregnancy. A bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan took into note the victim’s medical report and said she is fit to terminate the pregnancy. “In Indian society, within the institution of marriage, pregnancy is a source of joy for couples and society. In contrast, pregnancy outside marriage is injurious, particularly in cases of sexual assault or abuse and is a cause of stress and trauma affecting the physical and mental health of pregnant women. Sexual assault of a woman is itself distressing and sexual abuse resulting in pregnancy compounds the injury. This is because such a pregnancy is not voluntary or mindful,” the bench said.