HC against termination of pregnancy at 23 weeks

One-liner: The Delhi HC on Friday said it will not permit an unmarried woman to undergo medical termination of pregnancy at 23 weeks, saying it virtually amounts to killing the foetus.

Suggestion: A bench, however, suggested that the petitioner be kept somewhere safe until she delivers the child who can subsequently be given in for adoption.

Mental agony: Counsel for the petitioner said the woman, being unmarried, is in great mental agony and is not in a position to raise the child. 

Discriminatory: The lawyer also said that the bar in law on medical termination of pregnancy in relation to unmarried women was discriminatory.

No force: The court said that it was not forcing the petitioner to raise the child and asked the lawyer to come back with instructions on its proposal in the post-lunch session.

CJ's advice: ``You ask the client. Everything will be looked after by govt of India or the Delhi govt or some good hospital. I am also offering to pay,'' said the Chief Justice.

Source: PTI