“Family planning is the obligation of every citizen in the interest of the society and the country”: SC
Last Updated on October 13, 2023 by News Desk
On 9th October, through an order, the Supreme Court allowing the medical termination of pregnancy of a married woman, who was 26 weeks pregnant, had highlighted the role as well as the importance of the concept of family planning.
On 11th October, during the reference hearing, it was held by Justice Hima Kohli that it was not in her judicial conscience to allow the termination of the pregnancy, as the latest medical report hinted at the slightest possibility of the survival of the fetus.
It was argued by the petitioner that she had used the contraceptive of Lactational Amenorrhea, while she was breastfeeding her second child, but the contraceptive resulted in failure and she became pregnant, which she discovered quite late.
The court on 9th October also highlighted the importance of adequate precautions by explaining how unplanned pregnancies not only lead to the birth of the unwanted child but also lead to various complications and anxieties, especially on the health of the mother and even beyond it.
It said that therefore family planning is crucial so that such situations of termination of pregnancy do not arise as India is one of the most populated countries therefore the obligation of mindful family planning becomes the obligation of every citizen, which would be in the interest of society and country.
As of 11th October, a split verdict has been given by the SC on the issue, which had allowed the woman to proceed with the abortion after the Union of India had filed an application explaining that there was a possibility of life in the fetus.
Written By:- Shianjany Pradhan (@SHIANJANYPRADHAN)
