The Kerala High Court has declined permission for the termination of a 30-week pregnancy of a 14-year-old girl, stating that it is in an advanced stage. Justice Devan Ramachandran dismissed the plea for abortion filed by the girl's mother, asserting that there was no immediate risk to the victim child's health due to the pregnancy, and no lethal fetal abnormalities were detected. The mother sought termination, citing rape, and the accused was in custody under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
While acknowledging the statutory rape of the young victim, the court emphasized that the pregnancy was in its ninth month, with vital organs almost fully developed. Considering the medical report indicating 30 weeks of gestation with a healthy fetal heart, the court concluded that termination at this stage is impossible. The court directed the Child Protection Officer to regularly visit and support the victim child and her family throughout the pregnancy and delivery, ensuring their protection within legal bounds.