Abortion at 30 weeks: India's defeat

The Supreme Court in New Delhi has given the green light 'exceptionally' to the termination of the pregnancy of a 14-year-old rape victim. Dr. Carvalho: 'The trauma and violence suffered by the girl is undeniable, but the fact remains that the most defenceless life is killed'. 

New Delhi (AsiaNews) - A very delicate matter is causing discussion in India on the topic of the right to life. The Supreme Court has granted a 14-year-old victim of sexual assault the right to terminate her almost 30-week pregnancy.

A bench led by the president of the highest judicial body, D Y Chandrachud, called it a “very exceptional case where we have to protect the girl” and chose to use the special powers granted to the Supreme Court by Article 142 of the Constitution of India.

The minor became aware of her condition only at a very advanced stage. The mother of the girl who was the victim of the rape turned to the Supreme Court after the Bombay High Court had denied consent to the abortion after the deadline of 24 weeks required by Indian law had passed.

Commenting on the story, Dr. Pascoal Carvalho, member of the Pontifical Academy for Life, told AsiaNews: "The trauma of the minor rape survivor is undeniable and the Supreme Court made its decision underlining the exceptional nature of the circumstances, but the fact remains that the most vulnerable and defenseless is killed. The recent Vatican document Dignitas Infinita also lists abortion among the 'serious violations' of human dignity, rightly linking it to the erosion of 'solid and lasting foundations for the defense of human rights'".

Carvalho recalls that in India, the Missionaries of Charity welcome unwanted children: "We are fighting abortion with adoption", Mother Teresa always repeated. Furthermore, they would also provide the rape victim with social support and appropriate therapeutic treatment.

“The institutional mechanisms for the protection of children are there - observes Dr. Carvalho, member of the Committee for Human Life of the archdiocese of Mumbai -. The country has adopted many laws and policies to ensure the protection and improvement of the situation of children. But you can't be a complete effort if you exclude the defenseless who need care and protection."