Another minor rape victim seeks abortion

The Supreme Court may have alleviated the suffering of one 14-year-old rape survivor in Gujarat by letting her terminate her 25-week pregnancy, but the case of yet another minor in such a fix has now surfaced.

This 14-year-old from in Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur town, about 90 km from here, was reportedly raped by her father and is now 22 weeks pregnant.

Finding themselves in a fix, district officials have decided to move court to seek a direction in this regard, as the law says pregnancy of over 20 weeks cannot be medically terminated.

The girl's repeated rape by her father, a rickshaw-puller and resident of the Babupurwa locality in Kanpur, came to light a few days ago when her mother realised she was pregnant. The accused was arrested and sent to jail. The doctors who examined the girl made it clear that there was risk in aborting her pregnancy. Some social organisations reportedly came forward to help her and asked her to give birth, saying they would ensure the child's adoption. But she flatly refused, and insisted on abortion.

Senior district officials, including police officials, discussed the matter and concluded that a legal direction was necessary for a final call. They also sought the opinion of doctors. “We have decided to approach the court and seek a direction. There are several important issues involved in the matter. The victim is a minor and physically unfit to deliver the child. At the same time, there is risk in abortion,” said a senior police official in Kanpur.