Court allows minor rape victim to abort

The court observed that medical termination of pregnancy by a rape victim is not barred under law. It also directed medical surgeon of the Surendranagar Civil Hospital to conduct abortion with two other qualified gynaecologists,provided the patient was found fit for surgery. Justice Dave also directed them to provide nutritious food to the girl and conduct periodic check-ups.

The court has also directed the authorities to preserve the foetus after surgery to conduct DNA tests on it.

The girl’s family had registered a rape complaint on March 11. Subsequently,they took her to a clinic for abortion,but the doctor there refused to cooperate and asked them to obtain permission from the court.

The girl,through her mother,moved a petition in the Dhrangadhra Sessions Court under the provisions of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act,1971 seeking permission to terminate the pregnancy. But the court turned down the plea. At this,she moved the HC.

Two minors raped in Surat
Two minor girls were raped in the city on Saturday. According to the Sachin police,in the first incident,an eight-year-old resident of Paaligam was raped by an unknown youth when the girl was going to call her brother,who was swimming in a nearby pond. She later informed her parents about the incident following which a police complaint was lodged.

The second incident was reported from Pandesara. The victim (4) was lured by her neighbour with chocolates,who took her to his room and raped her. The girl informed her parents who later approached the police. Accused in both incidents are at large.