HC rejects plea seeking permission abortion in rape case

The Gujarat High Court today dismissed an application seeking permission for termination of pregnancy of a 32-year-old rape victim after she herself told the court that she wanted the child.
Earlier, the victim, who is speech and hearing-impaired, had consented to having an abortion. The petition had been filed on her behalf by the shelter home where she lives, on the ground that she would not be able to take care of the child.
However, when asked by the court, the woman communicated that she wanted the child.
Under the law, after 20th week of pregnancy, abortion can be carried out only if there is a health issue.

Justice Sonia Gokani in her order, directed the V S Hospital here to take care of the health of the woman and the unborn child, and said their financial security would be the responsibility of the state government.
The shelter home will look after their security, said the court.
The victim, who is 22-week pregnant, was allegedly raped by a clerk working at the shelter home. The crime came to light when a staff doctor found out that she was pregnant.
Amrut Patel, the accused, was subsequently arrested.