The Kerala High Court has permitted the medical termination of a 34-week pregnancy after a Medical Board found that the unborn child was likely to suffer from severe developmental and neurological abnormalities. The court observed that a woman cannot be compelled to continue with a pregnancy against her wishes, particularly when supported by medical opinion.
Background of the Case
The case, Reshma Ranjan and another v. Union of India and Others, was filed by a married couple who are already parents to a three-and-a-half-year-old child. During routine prenatal examinations, doctors detected significant brain-related abnormalities in the fetus. Medical reports indicated the possibility of intellectual impairment, developmental delays, congenital heart disease, and other complications if the child was born.
As the pregnancy had reached 34 weeks, the couple approached the High Court seeking permission for medical termination in accordance with the applicable legal framework.
Court's Observation
Justice Harisankar V. Menon considered the report of the Medical Board constituted under the court's earlier direction. While the Board noted that there was no immediate risk to the mother's life or physical health from continuing the pregnancy, it highlighted serious fetal abnormalities that could result in substantial long-term complications.
Referring to the Board's findings, the court observed,
“The Medical Board has pointed out various abnormalities, including developmental delay, hypotonia, congenital heart disease, etc.”
The court also relied on the Supreme Court's ruling in S. v. Union of India, observing that “no lady is to be pressurised for continuing with the pregnancy.”
Decision
Accepting the Medical Board's recommendations, the High Court held that the petitioners were justified in seeking termination of the pregnancy.
The bench directed Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, the sixth respondent hospital, to carry out the medical termination of pregnancy in accordance with the Medical Board's opinion.
The hospital was also instructed to consider the Board's recommendation regarding intrauterine feticide before the termination procedure.
The writ petition was accordingly disposed of.
Case Details
Case Title: Reshma Ranjan and Another v. Union of India and Others
Case Number: WP(C) No. 20324 of 2026
Judge: Justice Harisankar V. Menon
Decision Date: 24 June 2026
