HC says fetus also has right to life, dismisses plea seeking abortion of 31-week pregnancy

KOCHI: Justice PB Suresh Kumar on Monday dismissed a petition filed by a woman from Ernakulam seeking permission to have an abortion after 31 weeks of pregnancy. The plaintiff had approached the hospital authorities for an abortion as the fetus was found to be deformed. However, the hospital authorities denied the request as abortion was not allowed under the law after 20 weeks. She then approached the High Court. The High Court ruled that the amendment to the law allowing abortion up to 24 weeks had not been notified. The Medical Board was constituted to consider the petitioner's request and sought a report. The medical board had reported that though the baby has a disability, it is not serious and did not pose a threat to the mother's life. The High Court then dismissed the petition.