On Wednesday, the Delhi High Court instructed AIIMS to perform a psychiatric assessment on a 23-year-old widow seeking approval for the medical termination of her pregnancy. At 29 weeks pregnant, the medical board has not advised or recommended a termination of the pregnancy for her.

Under the directive of Justice Neena Krishna Bansal, AIIMS has been instructed to conduct a psychiatric evaluation aimed at assessing her current mental state.

The bench has ordered AIIMS to examine the petitioner tomorrow and submit a report regarding the evaluation by December 29.

Prior to issuing directives, the bench listened to Advocate Dr. Amit Mishra's submissions. He highlighted that the petitioner is undergoing significant mental distress owing to the pregnancy. Dr. Mishra also referenced legal precedents permitting pregnancy termination even at advanced stages under certain circumstances.

Advocate Dr. Amit Mishra further stated that the petitioner is enduring both mental and physical anguish to the extent that she is unable to consume meals. The 23-year-old woman approached the court following the death of her husband on October 9, 2023.

On December 22, 2023, the bench instructed AIIMS to establish a medical board for the evaluation of the petitioner. Additionally, the bench specifically directed the medical board to provide a report assessing whether the petitioner is in a suitable condition to undergo the procedure for terminating her pregnancy.

The matter has been listed for hearing on December 30.