Delhi High Court directs AIIMS to examine woman seeking Medical Termination of her pregnancy of 27 weeks

A single judge bench of Justice Pratibha M. Singh of the Delhi High Court on Friday directed the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) to constitute a medical board to examine a woman who had approached the court seeking medical termination of her pregnancy.

After 25 weeks of gestation, the petitioner-woman received an ultrasound, during which problems in the foetus were detected for the very first time. She was then directed to a specialist in foetal medicine. In response, a foetal echocardiogram was performed, which revealed serious foetal abnormalities.

Adv. Anwesh Madhukar appeared for the petitioner whereas ASC Mehak Nakra and Adv. V.S.R. Krishna appeared for Respondents. “The Court has perused the earlier ultrasound report of 5th January, 2023 when the gestation period was 18 weeks. It is noticed that no abnormalities were detected at that stage. On 17th February, 2023, at the time of the subsequent ultrasound the gestation period was 25 weeks and 3 days and on 25th February, 2023, when the foetal echocardiography was conducted the gestation period was 26 weeks and 3 days,” the court noted.

While considering the nature of abnormalities, the court directed AIIMS to constitute a medical board. “Considering the nature of the abnormalities, in accordance with the provisions for the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971, let the Medical Board be constituted by Respondent No.2 - All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) immediately”, the court directed.

Court also directed the counsel for the AIIMS to inform the counsel for the petitioner about the location and the doctors before whom the petitioner has to appear. Court further directed to mail the report of the medical board to the Court master by March 5. Court then posted the matter on March 6 for further hearing.

Case Title: Mrs. A vs. GNCTD & Anr.