Cuttack: The petition seeking termination of a minor rape survivor’s 31-week pregnancy took a new turn on Thursday with the counsel for the petitioners informing Orissa high court that the family is now willing to continue with her pregnancy until full term after AIIMS Bhubaneswar flagged health risk to the minor in event of an abortion at such an advanced stage.The court was hearing the plea filed by the 16-year-old girl’s parents seeking termination of what they termed an “unlawful pregnancy” as well as requesting state-funded medical care.The court had on Wednesday deferred hearing after an AIIMS Bhubaneswar medical board flagged significant risks associated with the termination procedure at such an advanced stage and petitioners’ counsel Ramakanta Sarangi sought time to seek further instructions from the minor’s parents.During the hearing on Thursday, Sarangi submitted that after considering the medical reports issued by Capital Hospital and AIIMS Bhubaneswar, the parents have decided to continue with the pregnancy. Sarangi also sought time to file an affidavit on behalf of the parents of the minor rape survivor, affirming their decision.Justice B P Routray granted the request and directed that the affidavit be filed by Friday.According to the AIIMS Bhubaneswar medical board, 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.
