Blood disorder will traumatise mother, child: Bombay High Court allows 27-week abortion

The Bombay High Court has granted permission for a 26-year-old woman to terminate her pregnancy after her unborn child was diagnosed with beta thalassemia major, a severe inherited blood disorder requiring ongoing treatment. The court ruled that denying the woman's request would cause her significant emotional and physical distress, as well as a lifelong burden for the child.

Both the mother and father are carriers of the beta thalassemia trait, and the fetus was confirmed to have the condition by a special medical board. The woman and her husband were unable to financially afford the costs associated with raising a child with beta thalassemia major. The High Court allowed the woman to proceed with the medical termination of pregnancy, emphasizing that the child should receive necessary medical care if born alive.