New Delhi, April 24 -- Allowing the medical termination of pregnancy of a 15-year-old girl who was over seven months pregnant, the Supreme Court on Friday observed that a woman cannot be compelled to continue with an unwanted pregnancy.

A bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan said that no court ought to compel a woman, particularly a minor, to carry a pregnancy to full term against her express will, as such compulsion would inflict "grave mental, emotional and physical trauma".

Allowing the minor to undergo medical termination, the bench said that in cases of unwanted pregnancy, directing continuation would negate her dignity, autonomy, and long-term well-being.

The constitutional courts must prioritise the wishes and welfar...