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Crime
Ludhiana Court Grants Safe Abortion to 13-Year-Old Rape Victim Amid Pregnancy Risks
✍️ Amar Ujala · Punjab
🗓 19 Aug 2026, 11:32 AM
👁 1
A Punjab court has authorized a safe termination of pregnancy for a 13‑year‑old girl who was raped, citing health risks associated with her young age.
The District Court in Ludhiana has issued an order permitting a medically supervised abortion for a 13-year-old girl who became pregnant after being sexually assaulted. The court emphasized that the minor's age poses significant health complications if the pregnancy were to continue.
Legal counsel for the victim argued that continuing the pregnancy would endanger the child's physical and psychological well‑being, and the judge concurred, referencing medical guidelines that restrict safe childbirth to older adolescents.
The decision underscores the judiciary's role in safeguarding the rights of minors in cases of sexual violence, while also aligning with existing health regulations that allow termination in such circumstances.
Authorities have been directed to ensure the procedure is carried out in a certified facility with appropriate post‑procedure care, and the case will remain under close monitoring to prevent any further trauma to the victim.
Legal counsel for the victim argued that continuing the pregnancy would endanger the child's physical and psychological well‑being, and the judge concurred, referencing medical guidelines that restrict safe childbirth to older adolescents.
The decision underscores the judiciary's role in safeguarding the rights of minors in cases of sexual violence, while also aligning with existing health regulations that allow termination in such circumstances.
Authorities have been directed to ensure the procedure is carried out in a certified facility with appropriate post‑procedure care, and the case will remain under close monitoring to prevent any further trauma to the victim.