Directs woman to be treated as poor patient by hospitalHCgives nod to termination of pregnancy during lockdown

Saurabh Malik

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Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 24

Coming to the rescue of a woman seeking termination of pregnancy during the Covid lockdown period after the foetus showed symptoms of Down syndrome, the Punjab and Haryana High Court today not only allowed her plea, but also directed her to be treated as a poor patient.

Taking up her petition through video-conferencing, Justice Sudhir Mittal directed that the woman be admitted forthwith after taking all necessary precautions required due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The procedure was also directed to be performed at the earliest keeping in view the urgency involved.

“I have been informed that the petitioners are people of limited means and are unable to afford the procedure. Thus, the respondent-medical institute is directed to treat the case as one of a poor patient and give all assistance available for such patients as per policy,” Justice Mittal added. Referring to a report by a medical board, Justice Mittal

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