Minor’s autonomy takes priority: Supreme Court allows 15-week abortion in sensitive case

Minor’s autonomy takes priority as the Supreme Court permits termination of a 15-week pregnancy, citing mental distress, impact on education, and the need to uphold reproductive rights

New Delhi, 25 April | 2026: The Supreme Court of India has allowed a minor girl to medically terminate her 15-week pregnancy, underlining that a woman’s reproductive autonomy must take precedence. The bench of Justice B. V. Nagarathna and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan observed that forcing the minor to carry the pregnancy to term would violate her fundamental rights.

The court made it clear that the issue is not solely about the unborn child, but about the woman’s choice. Even though adoption after birth is an available option, a woman cannot be compelled to give birth against her will.

During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta referred to medical reports and cautioned that terminating the pregnancy at this stage could pose risks to both the mother and the fetus. He suggested that the child could be given up for adoption after birth.

However, the bench questioned this argument, stating that courts cannot push women toward alternatives like financial support or adoption instead of granting access to safe medical termination. The petitioner’s counsel highlighted that the pregnancy had caused severe mental distress to the minor, affecting her studies and overall well-being. It was also brought to the court’s attention that she had already shown signs of extreme psychological stress and had even attempted suicide.

Follow us On Our Social media Handles :
Instagram
Youtube
Facebook
Twitter
Also Read- Pune