Delhi HC Directs AIIMS to Conduct Psychiatric Evaluation of Widow Seeking Abortion

On Wednesday, the Delhi High Court issued directives instructing the All India Institute Of Medical Science (AIIMS) to conduct a psychiatric evaluation of a 23-year-old widow who has sought approval for the medical termination of her pregnancy.

The woman is reported to be 29 weeks pregnant, and the medical board has not recommended a termination.

Justice Neena Krishna Bansal, presiding over the case, ordered AIIMS to perform a psychiatric evaluation to assess the petitioner’s mental state.

The bench further directed AIIMS to examine the petitioner on the following day and submit a report by December 29.

The case is scheduled for a hearing on December 30.

Prior to issuing these directives, the bench considered the arguments presented by Advocate Dr Amit Mishra.

He informed the court that the petitioner is experiencing mental trauma due to the advanced stage of her pregnancy, citing legal precedents that permit termination under such circumstances.

 Additionally, Dr Amit Mishra highlighted that the petitioner is undergoing both mental and physical distress and is currently unable to consume meals.

The petitioner, a 23-year-old woman, approached the court following the death of her husband on October 9, 2023.

On December 22, 2023, the bench had previously instructed AIIMS to form a medical board and examine the petitioner.

The bench specifically directed AIIMS to provide a report detailing whether the petitioner is in a condition to undergo the termination of pregnancy procedure.