Legal Termination of pregnancy

CATCH 22 !!

Strict discipline,many rules and stringent laws force a person to tell lies or to break law!
Since the simplest and easiest solution to most problems often,is not to follow the law!!
Mehtas did not understand this jungle law of our land and had to face the consequences
Instead of going to court for permission,all they had to do was to go to a private clinic for the abortion
( Life Beyond the Writ,OUTLOOK,Aug 18,2008)
But I salute the couple for their courage and initiative which has brought this sensitive issue infront of the whole nation and may lead to a answer for similarly distressed parents in future

I agree that the issue is not straightforward and has become a Catch 22!
Making abortions beyond 20 weeks of pregnancy,legal ,will open a floodgate for unwanted abortions.
But the problem is that chances of potentially lethal or medical problems can usually cannot be diagnosed before this time.
I also agree that this may amount to mercy killing,but there is a major difference,While in mercy killing,the matter may be of weeks or maximum months,here it may be an lifelong issue.

In today's time,when bringing up a healthy normal child is a challenge in itself,raising a medically challenged child is a Herculean task.It is not only physically,financially,mentally and emotionally taxing on the prent,but can be very distressing and painful for the child

The issue needs sincere deliberation and we have to tackle the issue emotionally and with sensitivity,without getting emotional about the 20 weeks pregnancy landmark! Besides the law makers,the medical fraternity have to play a responsible role too,to provide firm and genuine medical reports,highlighting the extent of disability and the probability of chronic medical illness.A mother has all right to prevent the sufferings of her unborn child!
May be the decision of God guide us!!
(Mrs. Mehta aborted few days after the courts verdict against the medical termination of pregnancy)
Dr S Kapoor