Cuttack: Orissa high court on Wednesday deferred hearing on a petition seeking termination of a minor rape survivor’s 31-week pregnancy, after an AIIMS Bhubaneswar medical board flagged significant risks associated with the procedure at such an advanced stage.During the hearing, Justice BP Routray took note of the minor’s examination report from May 5, which was carried out following the court’s direction after experts from Capital Hospital had flagged concern.According to the report, the girl is 31 weeks pregnant with associated conditions including hypothyroidism and mild anaemia. The board stated that while termination of pregnancy is medically possible at this stage, it carries “high risk,” including prolonged delivery, excessive bleeding, infection, need for ICU admission and even maternal death.The report also highlighted potential complications for the fetus, including fetal distress, birth asphyxia, prematurity, and the likelihood of prolonged neonatal intensive care. It further noted the possibility of a live birth at this gestational stage.Considering these risks, the medical board recommended continuation of the pregnancy up to full term (40 weeks) with proper antenatal care to ensure safer outcomes for both mother and child. It also sought directions from the court regarding care for the baby if born alive.During the hearing, petitioner’s counsel Ramakanta Sarangi, appearing virtually, sought time to seek further instructions from the minor’s parents, who have termed the pregnancy “unlawful” and sought state-funded medical care along with termination. The court granted the request and adjourned the matter till Thursday.
