The court wanted to know if there was evidence to suggest that the continuation of a full-term pregnancy might be jeopardized by the drugs prescribed for the mother’s mental ailment.
The Supreme Court has requested a new report from the AIIMS board to assess the health condition of the mother and the foetus. The court seeks to determine if the mother is suffering from mental or physical disorders and if the foetus has any abnormalities.
A three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud was hearing a married woman’s plea to abort a 26-week pregnancy. On Thursday, the court had urged the pregnant woman to reconsider her decision after the medical board indicated that the fetus could be born with a heartbeat if it is delivered at present. The court urged the woman to carry on with the pregnancy for a few more weeks so that the child is not born with physical and mental deformities.
Continuing the hearing on Friday, the bench also wanted to know if there was evidence to suggest that the continuation of a full-term pregnancy might be jeopardised by the drugs prescribed for the mother’s mental ailment.
Furthermore, the court has asked the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) to evaluate the mental and physical condition of the woman, check for postpartum psychosis, and explore alternative medications to protect the fetus. This assessment is to be conducted promptly, with the medical board’s report expected on October 16, when the case will be heard next.