The Supreme Court on Friday permitted an 18-year-old woman to terminate her 30-week pregnancy, underscoring that no woman can be forced to continue a pregnancy against her will. The ruling overturned a Bombay High Court order that had refused permission for the procedure and suggested the child could instead be given up for adoption.
The apex court emphasised that a woman&rsquo;s reproductive autonomy takes precedence, observing that the judiciary cannot compel someone to carry a pregnancy she does not wish to continue.
Under India&rsquo;s Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) law, abortion is allowed up to 20 weeks at the woman&rsquo;s discretion. Between 20 and 24 weeks, approval from a medical board is required if the pregnancy poses risks to the mother. Beyond 24 weeks, termination generally requires court approval.
In this case, the pregnancy was conceived when the girl was 17 and has now advanced to 30 weeks. The court noted that continuing the pregnancy could cause significant mental and physical trauma. After reviewing the medical board&rsquo;s report, the bench found no indication that allowing the termination would pose a grave risk to her health.
The High Court had earlier denied permission for abortion, recommending continuation of the pregnancy with the possibility of adoption. However, the Supreme Court focused on the young woman&rsquo;s unwillingness to proceed with the pregnancy, calling it the decisive factor.
The bench clarified that the nature of the relationship leading to the pregnancy was not central to the decision. Instead, protecting the rights and bodily autonomy of the woman remained paramount, even at an advanced stage of pregnancy.
Allowing the appeal, the court directed the petitioner to submit written consent for the procedure, paving the way for the medical termination.
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Top court overturns HC order, says reproductive autonomy cannot be denied

SC Allows 30-Week Abortion Stresses Woman’s Choice

Top court overturns HC order, says reproductive autonomy cannot be denied

February 6, 2026 | 15:50 IST