Karnataka HC refuses to terminate 28-week pregnancy in POCSO case
The Karnataka High Court has turned down a request to end the 28-week pregnancy of a minor who is an alleged victim of sexual assault under the POCSO Act.
The decision, made on March 10 after her mother petitioned the court, was based on prioritizing the girl's health and safety above all else.
Court orders state support under compensation schemes
A medical board found the pregnancy to be approximately 28 weeks and advised that induction for termination would pose a serious risk to both mother and baby; the court noted that at 28 weeks the fetus is capable of surviving outside the womb with appropriate neonatal care.
Justice Sachin Shankar Magadum highlighted that protecting the victim's life came first.
The court also ordered ongoing hospital care for her and directed state support under compensation schemes.
Terminations past 24 weeks are only allowed if there is clear proof of danger to the mother or severe fetal issues, which was not shown here, making this a tough legal call in an already difficult situation.