Wife's Right to Choose: Delhi HC Upholds Reproductive Autonomy in Abortion Case

• Delhi High Court quashed criminal proceedings against a woman who aborted her 14-week pregnancy amidst marital stress.
• The court emphasized that forcing a woman to continue pregnancy violates her bodily integrity and mental health, protected under Article 21.
• Under the MTP Act, a woman does not need her husband's permission for an abortion; the law prioritizes her health and rights.
• Marital discord includes mental stress and emotional distance, not just legal separation, validating the woman's decision.
• The court cited Supreme Court judgments affirming women's right to abortion in marital discord, interpreting MTP Act in favor of women.

Why It Matters: Delhi HC affirms woman's reproductive autonomy, stating husband's consent isn't needed for abortion.