Nagpur: The High Court has granted permission to an 18-year-old rape survivor to terminate her 31-week pregnancy , highlighting a woman’s exclusive right over her own body.

The bench of Justice Anil Pansare and Justice Siddheshwar Thombre considered the survivor’s physical and mental distress and agreed with her decision to terminate the pregnancy. The court referenced Supreme Court rulings, emphasizing that a woman has the ultimate authority to decide on abortion.

Under the direction of the court, the Dean of Government Medical College & Hospital, Akola , constituted a medical board to evaluate the survivor’s health, the fetus’ condition, and the risks associated with the procedure. The board reported that a 31-week abortion carries high medical risks , including serious

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