In Brief
A 35-year-old destitute woman, sexually assaulted and HIV-positive, sought termination of her resulting pregnancy. The High Court had directed medical examination, but the case reached the Supreme Court via Special Leave Petition. The Court held that the dignity of life is paramount and ordered examination by a Medical Board at AIIMS, Delhi, to assess medical safety. The Court emphasized that a woman suffering sexual assault and serious medical ailment should not face further suffering, and directed the Union to arrange the petitioner's travel and stay, with the Medical Board report to guide the ultimate decision on pregnancy termination.
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