Parmod KumarNew Delhi, April 30 -- The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to entertain a curative petition filed by AIIMS, Delhi, against its earlier direction permitting termination of a more than 30-week pregnancy of a 15-year-old rape survivor, making it clear that the final decision must rest with the minor and her parents, not the medical institution.
A Bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi emphasised that the choice to continue or terminate the pregnancy cannot be taken away from the individual concerned. The Court said AIIMS could place medical facts before the family, but it would not allow any institution to decide on their behalf.
Justice Bagchi underlined the need to respect individual autonomy, stating, ...