{"id":23524,"date":"2026-05-05T04:00:47","date_gmt":"2026-05-05T04:00:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/?p=23524"},"modified":"2026-05-05T04:08:01","modified_gmt":"2026-05-05T04:08:01","slug":"doctors-forced-abortion-india-supreme-court-mtp-act-30-week-pregnancy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/doctors-forced-abortion-india-supreme-court-mtp-act-30-week-pregnancy\/","title":{"rendered":"Blanket SC direction to terminate a 30-week viable pregnancy: Feticide or Infanticide, Doctors\u2019 Dilemma"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"can-obstetrician-be-compelled-non-therapeutic-abortion\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_A_Licensed_Obstetrician_Be_Compelled_To_Perform_A_Non-Therapeutic_Abortion\"><\/span>Can A Licensed Obstetrician Be Compelled To Perform A Non-Therapeutic Abortion?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"question-sc-direction-30-week-pregnancy\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_Apropos_The_SC_Direction_To_Terminate_A_30_Wks_Pregnancy_In_A_Minor\"><\/span>Q. Apropos The SC Direction To Terminate A 30 Wks Pregnancy In A Minor<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The MTP Act does not permit it. The SC, exercising its extraordinary jurisdiction, has upheld the contention of the teenager that she has a fundamental right to decide for her body and terminate the pregnancy, the statutory limit of 24 weeks notwithstanding.<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/doctors-forced-abortion-india-supreme-court-mtp-act-30-week-pregnancy\/#Can_A_Licensed_Obstetrician_Be_Compelled_To_Perform_A_Non-Therapeutic_Abortion\" >Can A Licensed Obstetrician Be Compelled To Perform A Non-Therapeutic Abortion?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/doctors-forced-abortion-india-supreme-court-mtp-act-30-week-pregnancy\/#Q_Apropos_The_SC_Direction_To_Terminate_A_30_Wks_Pregnancy_In_A_Minor\" >Q. Apropos The SC Direction To Terminate A 30 Wks Pregnancy In A Minor<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/doctors-forced-abortion-india-supreme-court-mtp-act-30-week-pregnancy\/#Medical_Context_Pre-_and_Post-Viability\" >Medical Context: Pre- and Post-Viability<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/doctors-forced-abortion-india-supreme-court-mtp-act-30-week-pregnancy\/#Core_Legal_Question\" >Core Legal Question<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/doctors-forced-abortion-india-supreme-court-mtp-act-30-week-pregnancy\/#A_Legal_Vs_Constitutional_Conflict\" >A: Legal Vs. Constitutional Conflict<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/doctors-forced-abortion-india-supreme-court-mtp-act-30-week-pregnancy\/#The_MTP_Act_Framework\" >The MTP Act Framework<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/doctors-forced-abortion-india-supreme-court-mtp-act-30-week-pregnancy\/#Constitutional_Approach\" >Constitutional Approach<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/doctors-forced-abortion-india-supreme-court-mtp-act-30-week-pregnancy\/#Medical_And_Ethical_Dilemma\" >Medical And Ethical Dilemma<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/doctors-forced-abortion-india-supreme-court-mtp-act-30-week-pregnancy\/#Arguments_For_And_Against_SC_Intervention\" >Arguments For And Against SC Intervention<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/doctors-forced-abortion-india-supreme-court-mtp-act-30-week-pregnancy\/#Q_Physicians_Right_To_Refuse_Abortion\" >Q: Physician\u2019s Right To Refuse Abortion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/doctors-forced-abortion-india-supreme-court-mtp-act-30-week-pregnancy\/#A_Physicians_Legal_And_Ethical_Position\" >A: Physician\u2019s Legal And Ethical Position<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/doctors-forced-abortion-india-supreme-court-mtp-act-30-week-pregnancy\/#Non-Therapeutic_Abortions\" >Non-Therapeutic Abortions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/doctors-forced-abortion-india-supreme-court-mtp-act-30-week-pregnancy\/#Mandatory_Therapeutic_Abortion\" >Mandatory Therapeutic Abortion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/doctors-forced-abortion-india-supreme-court-mtp-act-30-week-pregnancy\/#Q_Legal_Status_Of_Fetus_And_Infanticide_Dilemma\" >Q: Legal Status Of Fetus And Infanticide Dilemma<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/doctors-forced-abortion-india-supreme-court-mtp-act-30-week-pregnancy\/#Legal_Conflict\" >Legal Conflict<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/doctors-forced-abortion-india-supreme-court-mtp-act-30-week-pregnancy\/#A_Critique_And_Evaluation\" >A: Critique And Evaluation<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/doctors-forced-abortion-india-supreme-court-mtp-act-30-week-pregnancy\/#Three_Conflicting_Pillars\" >Three Conflicting Pillars<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/doctors-forced-abortion-india-supreme-court-mtp-act-30-week-pregnancy\/#The_AIIMS_Dilemma\" >The AIIMS Dilemma<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/doctors-forced-abortion-india-supreme-court-mtp-act-30-week-pregnancy\/#Suggested_Way_Forward\" >Suggested Way Forward<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/doctors-forced-abortion-india-supreme-court-mtp-act-30-week-pregnancy\/#Key_Takeaway\" >Key Takeaway<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/doctors-forced-abortion-india-supreme-court-mtp-act-30-week-pregnancy\/#Key_Legal_Anchor\" >Key Legal Anchor<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p>Giving birth to the child, it is pleaded, will be a great lifelong setback to her. The SC first directed AIIMS to evaluate the status of the pregnancy. After receiving the report of the AIIMS and being satisfied that it can be done without undue risk to the life of the victim, the court directed the AIIMS to terminate the pregnancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"medical-context-pre-and-post-viability\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Medical_Context_Pre-_and_Post-Viability\"><\/span>Medical Context: Pre- and Post-Viability<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In the pre-viability period of pregnancy, gynaecologists employ medical or surgical methods to terminate the life of the child in the womb.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>After advanced viability, pregnancy is not \u2018terminated\u2019; premature labour is induced to \u2018deliver\u2019 the child.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The premature child delivered is living, with a beating heart, breathing and kicking.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The child has a chance to survive.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This was pointed out by the AIIMS\u2019s doctors in a protest petition. They were not agreeable to kill the live child by dumping it in the waste bucket. The court overruled their objection on the ground that the minor\u2019s right is absolute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The SC again directed the AIIMS\u2019s doctors to \u2018terminate\u2019 the pregnancy, under threat of contempt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"core-legal-question-duty-of-doctor\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Core_Legal_Question\"><\/span>Core Legal Question<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Does a woman\u2019s right to terminate pregnancy create a duty on the obstetrician?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Can doctors be compelled to fulfil a non-therapeutic demand?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Is the court justified?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"analysis-legal-vs-constitutional-conflict\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Legal_Vs_Constitutional_Conflict\"><\/span>A: Legal Vs. Constitutional Conflict<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Supreme Court&#8217;s (SC) recent direction to terminate a 30-week pregnancy in a minor highlights a profound conflict between statutory law, constitutional rights, and medical ethics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"mtp-act-framework\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_MTP_Act_Framework\"><\/span>The MTP Act Framework<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The MTP Act sets a 24-week limit for most cases.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Extensions allowed only for &#8220;substantial foetal abnormalities&#8221;.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"constitutional-approach\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Constitutional_Approach\"><\/span>Constitutional Approach<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Extraordinary Jurisdiction:<\/strong> Article 142 allows &#8220;complete justice&#8221;.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rights-Based Approach:<\/strong> Reproductive choice is part of personal liberty.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Minor\u2019s Status:<\/strong> Trauma outweighs foetus rights in rape cases.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"medical-ethical-dilemma\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Medical_And_Ethical_Dilemma\"><\/span>Medical And Ethical Dilemma<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Conscientious objection by doctors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Viability at 30 weeks leads to live birth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Feticide vs delivery conflict<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The duty to kill remains unresolved ethically<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"arguments-table\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Arguments_For_And_Against_SC_Intervention\"><\/span>Arguments For And Against SC Intervention<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Arguments For SC Intervention<\/th><th>Arguments Against SC Intervention<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Protects minor rape survivors from lifelong trauma<\/td><td>Bypasses 24-week legislative limit<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Prevents unsafe illegal abortions<\/td><td>Compels doctors against ethics<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Upholds dignity and autonomy under Article 21<\/td><td>Ignores viability of fetus<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"physician-right-refuse-abortion\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_Physicians_Right_To_Refuse_Abortion\"><\/span>Q: Physician\u2019s Right To Refuse Abortion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A physician has an unalienable right to refuse non-therapeutic abortions, even those permissible under the MTP Act. However, therapeutic abortion cannot be refused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"analysis-physician-rights-duties\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Physicians_Legal_And_Ethical_Position\"><\/span>A: Physician\u2019s Legal And Ethical Position<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"non-therapeutic-abortions\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Non-Therapeutic_Abortions\"><\/span>Non-Therapeutic Abortions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Doctors may refuse based on moral or clinical judgment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Conscientious objection exists but not codified in Indian law<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ethical duty to refer patient to another provider<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"therapeutic-abortions\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mandatory_Therapeutic_Abortion\"><\/span>Mandatory Therapeutic Abortion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Section 5 of the MTP Act overrides gestational limits<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Applies when woman\u2019s life is at risk<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Provides legal immunity under BNS<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Creates a duty to intervene<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"fetus-legal-status-dilemma\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_Legal_Status_Of_Fetus_And_Infanticide_Dilemma\"><\/span>Q: Legal Status Of Fetus And Infanticide Dilemma<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The MTP Act is based on the premise that a foetus is not a legal person. However, a live-born child becomes a legal person with full rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"legal-conflict\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Legal_Conflict\"><\/span>Legal Conflict<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Feticide is criminal unless it is to save mother\u2019s life<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Live birth creates legal personhood<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Failure to care = infanticide risk<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This was the dilemma of AIIMS obstetricians who sought reconsideration of the SC order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"final-critique-aiims-case\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Critique_And_Evaluation\"><\/span>A: Critique And Evaluation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"three-pillars-conflict\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Three_Conflicting_Pillars\"><\/span>Three Conflicting Pillars<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Maternal Autonomy:<\/strong> Article 21 protects reproductive choice<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fetal Viability:<\/strong> 30-week fetus is medically viable<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Feticide vs Infanticide Gap:<\/strong> Legal risk in both scenarios<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"aiims-dilemma\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_AIIMS_Dilemma\"><\/span>The AIIMS Dilemma<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Doctors felt unjustly ignored as the court order did not address criminal liability risks if the child is born alive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"way-forward-solutions\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Suggested_Way_Forward\"><\/span>Suggested Way Forward<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Recognition of fetal viability in law<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mandatory counselling before late-term decisions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Introduce conscience clause for doctors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Standardize pre-procedure feticide guidelines<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"key-takeaway\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Takeaway\"><\/span>Key Takeaway<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Justice must balance the right to bodily integrity with medical ethics and responsibility toward viable life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"legal-anchor\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Legal_Anchor\"><\/span>Key Legal Anchor<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The MTP Act acts as a shield for doctors, protecting them from criminal liability when acting within its framework.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Written By: Dr Shri Gopal Kabra<\/strong> &#8211; MBBS, LLB, MSc, MS (Anatomy), MS (Surgery)<br>Director Clinical Services, Mahaveer Cancer Hospital, Jaipur-302017<br>Email: kabrasg@hotmail.com, Phone no.: 8003516198<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Can A Licensed Obstetrician Be Compelled To Perform A Non-Therapeutic Abortion? Q. Apropos The SC Direction To Terminate A 30 Wks Pregnancy In A Minor The MTP Act does not permit it. The SC, exercising its extraordinary jurisdiction, has upheld the contention of the teenager that she has a fundamental right to decide for her<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":10837,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"two_page_speed":[],"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[87],"tags":[921,28],"class_list":{"0":"post-23524","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-medico-legal","8":"tag-medico-legal","9":"tag-top-news"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Dr.-S.G.Kabra_.webp","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23524","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23524"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23524\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23525,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23524\/revisions\/23525"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10837"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23524"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23524"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23524"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}