Incidents of children becoming pregnant increasing, sex education needed in schools: High Court

KOCHI: Expressing concern over the increasing number of child pregnancies, the Kerala High Court directed the authorities to consider including sex education in schools. The observation was made by Justice VG Arun while considering the petition filed by a mother seeking medical termination of the 30-week pregnancy of her 13-year-old daughter.

The girl was impregnated by her minor brother. "There has been an increase in the number of child pregnancies. In some cases, the accused are close relatives. Obscene videos available on the internet mislead children and spread wrong ideas. Educating our children about the safe use of the internet and social media is absolutely essential," the court said.

On June 8, while considering the bail plea of ​​the accused in a similar case, a bench of Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas had demanded action for sex education. The single bench also pointed out that Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas had opined that the education system was unable to educate children about the consequences of sexual intercourse.

The single bench allowed the abortion of the petitioner's daughter. "Abortion should be done in a government hospital. If the baby is alive at birth, the hospital shall ensure that the baby is offered the best medical treatment available, so that it develops into a healthy child. If the petitioner is not ready to take over the baby, the state and its agencies should assume full responsibility and offer medical support and facilities to the infant," the court added.