Community Information
-
Denied abortion in govt hospital as they need family as bystander for unmarried women
(20 F) I went to a Ernakulam government hospital for an MTP (Medical Termination of Pregnancy) at 8 weeks. However, the doctors told me that since I am unmarried, I would need a relative as a bystander and that I had to be admitted to the hospital for them to proceed with the abortion. I did not want to involve my family in this personal matter. When I told them I didn’t have a relative as I am an NRI and brought my friend instead, they refused, saying, “What if your parents later complain to us in case of complications?” I repeatedly emphasized that under the MTP Act, only the woman’s consent is required for abortion, but they insisted that 8 weeks is a higher-risk stage and referred me to another government hospital instead of proceeding with the procedure. I want to know if it is legal for them to deny an abortion on the grounds that I require a relative as a bystander, and insist on hospital admission only because of my marital status? If not, is there anything I can do to challenge this kind of treatment?1
© 2025 Indiareply.com. All rights reserved.