India, Nov. 8 -- The Bombay High Court on Thursday allowed a 15-year-old rape survivor to medically terminate her 27-week pregnancy, emphasising the need to protect her physical and mental well-being.

A division bench of justices Revati Mohite Dere and Sandesh Patil granted permission after considering a report from the JJ Hospital medical board, which examined the girl in accordance with the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971.

The minor, represented through her father, had approached the court seeking permission to terminate her pregnancy, which resulted from sexual assault allegedly committed by her neighbour. The petition was filed with the assistance of a court-appointed advocate, Swapna Kode, while the state was represented...