A 15-year-old rape survivor from Gujarat has approached the Delhi High Court seeking permission for an abortion. The court has set up a panel of three doctors to examine the girl’s case, which involved a 24-week-old foetus. The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971, allows abortions within 12-20 weeks of conception only if two doctors agree that there are major complications or the pregnancy is life-threatening for the mother.

The Supreme Court is hearing a similar case, in which a woman who is carrying her rapist’s foetus has asked for permission to abort it. The woman has said the law preventing the abortion is unreasonable, arbitrary, harsh and discriminatory, and that it it violates the right to life and equality. She has also urged that exceptions be set up in the law for victims of sexual assault. The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Centre and the Maharashtra government asking for their response.