Bhubaneswar: The Orissa High Court has directed AIIMS Bhubaneswar and Capital Hospital to provide free medical treatment, nutrition, and support to a 16-year-old rape survivor who is over 31 weeks pregnant, after her family opted against termination due to substantial health risks.
Justice B P Routray emphasised that all necessary medicines, treatment, and ancillary facilities related to the pregnancy and delivery must be extended free of cost to the minor girl. The directive applies if the family approaches either AIIMS Bhubaneswar or Capital Hospital here.
The court’s decision came while disposing of a writ petition filed by the girl’s parents, who had initially sought termination of the pregnancy they described as “unlawful,” along with state-funded medical care. Medical boards from both Capital Hospital and AIIMS Bhubaneswar had submitted reports highlighting high risks associated with medical termination at this advanced stage, including potential maternal death and complications for both the mother and the baby.
The minor is reported to be suffering from hypothyroidism and mild anaemia in addition to the advanced pregnancy.
During the final hearing on May 8, the petitioners’ counsel, Ramakanta Sarangi, submitted a memo signed by the survivor and her mother confirming their decision to continue the pregnancy. Justice Routray noted the family’s willingness to proceed to full term in view of the medical risks and expressed the court’s inclination to respect the choice made by the survivor and her mother. “The mother of the victim, keeping [in view] such high risk involved in termination of pregnancy, has opted at her choice, along with the minor girl, to continue with the pregnancy till safer delivery of the baby upon completion of gestational period,” the order stated.
The court further directed AIIMS Bhubaneswar to conduct periodic check-ups to ensure the safe delivery of the baby and ordered free provision of all required medical support for both the mother and child.
This case follows earlier hearings where the High Court had referred the matter to AIIMS for expert opinion after initial concerns raised by Capital Hospital about the feasibility and safety of termination in such a late-stage pregnancy.
