India, April 28 -- Observing that the reproductive autonomy of a mother-to-be must be accorded the highest importance, the Supreme Court has allowed a 15-year-old girl to medically terminate her pregnancy of more than 28 weeks.

The top court has said when constitutional courts are approached by unintending mothers seeking termination of pregnancy, they ought not take a prohibitory approach.

A bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan said the pregnant woman's choice is relevant rather than that of the child to be born and stressed that the continuation of such a pregnancy could have long-lasting repercussions on the minor's mental health, educational prospects, social standing and overall development.

The court remarked that the...