“Doctors Not Aware Of Procedure In Cases Of Termination Of Pregnancy”: Allahabad HC

The Allahabad High Court on Saturday has raised significant concerns regarding the awareness of medical procedures related to the termination of pregnancy among practitioners in Uttar Pradesh.

This issue emerged during the hearing of a writ petition filed by a minor victim of a sexual offense and her family, who sought permission for medical termination of the victim’s pregnancy.

The Court directed the formation of a Medical Board, which reported that the pregnancy was approximately 29 weeks along. The Board advised that both the continuation and termination of the pregnancy at this stage could adversely affect the victim’s mental and physical health.

Given the findings and the family’s request, the Court granted approval for the medical termination of the pregnancy. It emphasized the importance of following the procedures established under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971, along with the associated rules and regulations from 2003, as well as relevant Supreme Court precedents.

The Court stated, “In numerous cases involving requests for medical termination of pregnancy, we have observed that medical colleges, Chief Medical Officers, and appointed doctors often lack sufficient knowledge regarding the procedures for examining victims and facilitating medical termination.”

Concerned about the insensitivity exhibited by some medical practitioners toward established legal frameworks, the Court underscored the need for a structured approach in handling such sensitive cases.

Consequently, the Court directed the Principal Secretary of the Department of Medical Health and Family Welfare, Uttar Pradesh, to issue a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to be implemented by all Chief Medical Officers and their respective boards across the state.

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