Forcing woman to continue pregnancy violates bodily integrity, aggravates mental trauma: Delhi HC

Forcing a woman to continue with her pregnancy violates her bodily integrity and aggravates mental trauma, the Delhi High Court said while discharging an estranged wife in a criminal case filed by her husband for medically terminating her 14-week foetus.
Underscoring a woman’s autonomy to seek abortion in case of marital discord, Justice Neena Bansal Krishna said the petitioner-wife could not be said to have committed an offence under Section 312 (causing miscarriage) of IPC in this case.

The judge observed that freedom of choice was a facet of personal autonomy and control over reproduction was a basic need and right of all women.

Underscoring a woman’s autonomy to seek abortion in case of marital discord, Justice Neena Bansal Krishna

The judge observed that freedom of choice was a facet of personal autonomy and control over reproduction was a basic need and right of all women.

Underscoring a woman’s autonomy to seek abortion in case of marital discord, Justice Neena Bansal Krishna said the petitioner-wife could not be said to have committed an offence under Section 312 (causing miscarriage) of IPC in this case.

The judge observed that freedom of choice was a facet of personal autonomy and control over reproduction was a basic need and right of all women.