13 Year Old Rape Survivor From Rajkot Girl Gives Birth After Court Approved Abortion At 33 Weeks
Rajkot: A 13-year-old rape victim from Rajkot has given birth to a baby girl after being sexually assaulted multiple times by her cousin and his friend. The case has drawn national attention, not only due to its tragic nature but also because it led to the Gujarat High Court permitting the termination of a 33-week pregnancy, marking the most advanced-stage abortion ever allowed in Gujarat.
The matter came to light on April 29, when the minor, who was visiting relatives in Maharashtra, complained of abdominal pain. Doctors discovered she was pregnant and informed the family. A rape complaint filed in Maharashtra was subsequently transferred to Rajkot’s B-Division Police Station. During questioning, the girl revealed that her cousin, who lived nearby, and his friend had repeatedly raped her over the past several months.
Following this, both accused, also minors, were arrested and presented before a juvenile court. They were initially sent to a child remand home but later released on bail.
On May 12, the Gujarat High Court granted permission for the termination of the pregnancy at 33 weeks. This decision was made based on a report submitted by a medical expert panel in Rajkot. The panel highlighted that the minor was suffering from anemia and mild intellectual disability, making the pregnancy extremely high-risk. The girl and her family consented to the procedure after detailed counseling.
The girl was admitted to the hospital on May 13 under police protection. A thorough medical examination was carried out, and due to the advanced stage of pregnancy and fetal viability, the medical team decided to proceed with an induced delivery rather than a surgical abortion. On May 17, doctors performed the high-risk procedure, and the minor delivered a baby girl. Both the mother and child are reported to be in stable condition and are under observation.
Medical professionals involved in the case noted the exceptional challenges posed by the situation. A pregnancy at such a young age is rare and often life-threatening due to the physical and emotional immaturity of the mother. According to experts, once a pregnancy crosses 32 weeks, the fetus is considered viable, and termination becomes medically and ethically complex.