The Delhi High Court on Tuesday said that “Ultimate Decision” in matters of abortion ought to recognise a woman’s choice to give birth to a child. Also the possibility of dignified life of the unborn child while allowing a 26 years old married woman to undergo medical termination of her 33 week pregnancy.

Justice Prathiba M Singh noted that cases involving fetal abnormalities have highlighted the severe dilemma that women undergo while taking decisions to terminate pregnancy.

The High Court ruled “In conclusion, the court holds that the ultimate decision is such cases ought to recognise the choice of the mother also the possibility of a dignified life of the unborn child. This court holds that medical termination of pregnancy ought to be permitted in the present case”.

The High Court also remarked that the medical board, constituted to examine the woman and the condition of the foetus, did not give a “categorical opinion” on the degree of handicap or the quality of the life of the foetus after birth.

“Such unpredictability ought to weigh in favour of the woman seeking termination of pregnancy,” the High Court said.