In Brief
A 35-year-old rape victim, rehabilitated after sexual assault and subsequently found to be HIV-positive, sought termination of her resulting pregnancy. A medical board at AIIMS concluded that termination was medically unsafe for both her and the fetus, recommending continuation of HIV treatment and antenatal care instead. The Supreme Court upheld this medical opinion, denying the termination request but mandating comprehensive State-funded medical care coordinated between AIIMS and local institutions. The Court awarded the petitioner Rs. 3 lakh compensation as a rape victim under the statutory Victim Compensation Scheme, recognizing her vulnerability and trauma while staying the High Court's earlier order.
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