I didn't want a nationwide discussion on abortion laws. I wanted a decision on my abortion. But now I will try to be happy and bring my child to this world,” said Niketa Mehta, a day after her plea for medical termination of pregnancy was rejected by the Bombay High Court.

Wanting to abort their child, who doctors told them would probably have to live a life on pacemaker after birth, this couple from Mumbai’s Bhyander took the chance of seeking a respite from the 37-year-old Medical Termination of Pregnanacy Act, which prohibits abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Schoolteacher Niketa Mehta, bearing her first child with stockbroker husband Haresh, thought everything was going smooth till an echocardiography of the foetus showed a heart block.

Faced with the prospect of their child requiring at least five pacemakers implanted through life—each costing Rs 1 lakh—the Mehtas approached the High Court to allow the abortion as they wanted “a healthy child”.

“The couple came to me for second opinion. They have been extremely courageous in this entire matter. I think there should be justice for Niketa,” said Dr Nikhil Datar, their gynaecologist and one of the petitioners in the matter.

According to Dr Datar, the first sonography during the 8th week of pregnancy did not reveal any abnormality in the foetus. Another sonography conducted just before the 20th week was also normal.

In another two weeks, she underwent another sonography which showed some abnormality and her consulting gynaecologist recommended an echocardiogram of the foetus’ heart.

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