Kochi : The High Court on Wednesday ruled that husband’s consent is not mandatory for a married woman to have her child aborted. The ruling came over a plea filed by 21-year-old woman who was 21-weeks pregnant. The foetus is 3 months old and Justice VG Arun, sanctioned for conditional abortion given the mental agony of the women who is a victim of domestic violence. The court examined Medical Board report before pronouncing consent. The case will be heard next after 2 weeks..
Originally, the woman had approached Family Planning Clinic at Kottayam Medical College for an abortion, but was turned away for lack of legal papers indicating she was separated from her husband. The woman then filed a domestic abuse case against her husband and in-laws after which, she once again approached the hospital. Her request was rejected once again, this time citing the foetus growth that had reached 21 weeks. The woman then approached the High Court for help.
