In Brief
A pregnant woman at 31 weeks gestation with a fetus suffering severe bilateral renal dysfunction incompatible with life sought permission to terminate her pregnancy. A medical board confirmed the fetal condition was fatal, the woman gave informed consent, and termination posed no greater risk than continuing pregnancy while causing significant maternal distress. The Supreme Court held that the woman was free to undergo medical termination of her pregnancy, allowing the procedure to proceed despite exceeding the statutory 20-week limit under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, prioritizing maternal health and welfare in exceptional circumstances.
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