Rajasthan High Court allows 13-year-old rape victim to abort over 26 week foetus. Court said continuing the pregnancy would result in lifelong suffering. If the foetus does not survive, its tissues will be preserved for DNA analysis. Court reaffirmed that, under the MTP Act, 1971, the court’s approval is not required for abortions up to 24 weeks of pregnancy. However, beyond this period, legal permission is necessary, said advocate Sonia Shandilya, representing the rape victim. The girl was over 26 weeks pregnant and her parents also supported the abortion, she said. In a related case in December 2024, a division bench led by the Chief Justice had indicated plans to issue guidelines for handling abortion requests from rape survivors. For confidential support call the Samaritans in the UK on 08457 90 90 90, visit a local Samaritans branch or see www.samaritans.org for details. In the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Line on 1-800-273-8255 or visit www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.