The Delhi High Court today has adjourned its hearing till tomorrow in a plea of by a pregnant woman, seeking permission to undergo medical termination of her pregnancy, having completed 23 weeks of gestation.
A single-judge bench of Justice Rekha Palli has listed the matter for September 22, 2021, and stated, it was prima-facie opinion of the court, to allow the application. Advocate Sneha Mukherjee, appearing on behalf of the petitioner, informed the court that the report of the Medical Board of Doctors was not served to the petitioner and she has only received a cover letter.
Justice Palli stated the court had received the report and enquired the reason for not taking the second test. Advocate Mukherjee replied by stating the said test would not be conducted by AIIMS, the petitioner had to undergo it privately and the petitioner could not afford the test, furthermore, the results of the said test would only be available in 5-6 weeks and by that time, the petitioner would be 28-30 weeks pregnant.
The woman is seeking medical termination of her pregnancy, as her foetus is suffering from various abnormalities including ‘nuchal edema & a bilateral cleft lip and palate’, she has placed on record, an ultrasound report dated September 4, 2021, confirming the same.
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On September 7, 2021, the High Court had directed the Medical Superintendent of AIIMS to constitute a Medical Board of Doctors to examine the petitioner and furnish its report on the feasibility of the petitioner undergoing medical termination of her pregnancy, within 5 days.
On September 14, 2021, the High Court had adjourned the hearing as the Doctors of Medical Board of AIIMS had stated, they can give their opinion, once certain tests are conducted.
The next date for hearing is September 22.