Doctors Express Concern As Police Pressure for Identity of Minors Seeking Medical Termination of Pregnancy, Ask for Sensitizing Police

Mumbai: Doctors across Maharashtra have disclosed that they are allegedly being pressured by the police officers to disclose the identity of minor girls despite the clear instruction of the Supreme Court that any minor seeking medical termination of pregnancy (MIP) has the right to hide their identity.

Such pressure from the police raises deep concerns regarding the safety of the minor and is against the legal stance of the apex court.

Previously, the Supreme Court has given its order stating that even if a minor conceives during a consensual relationship and goes for medical termination of pregnancy, doctors are bound not to reveal their identity to the police under Section 19(1) of the Posco Act. However, the girl and the guardian should officially request the anonymity of the girl. In fact, the girl reserves the right to hide her identity even in any related case of criminal proceedings.

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Many doctors claim that the pressure of the police often comes from their ignorance of the guidelines. Dr Indrajit Khandekar, professor of forensic medicine at Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (MGIMS), Sewagram-Wardha, told TOI, “In the last few days, multiple doctors called expressing distress that they are being forced to act against Supreme Court orders.” He also requested senior police and administrative authorities to ensure that police personnel at all levels are made aware of the process and rules so they can follow uniform and lawful procedures.

He explained that when a minor seeks termination of pregnancy after a consensual relationship, doctors should notify the police about the case while withholding the girl’s identity at her and her guardian’s request, as directed by the Supreme Court. He added that practitioners should be able to carry out their responsibilities under the MTP Act without intimidation, and emphasised that safeguarding a minor’s privacy is both a legal requirement and an ethical duty.

“I became aware of this practice through many doctors I trained on the Supreme Court's directions regarding the confidentiality of minor pregnant girls. After the training, doctors began following the SC guidelines and informed the police about minor pregnancies without disclosing the girl's identity," said Dr Khandekar. Acknowledging that not many police officers are aware of the guidelines, some police pressurize the doctor to reveal the identity and often enter the hospital premises to question the patient directly. “Disturbed and unsure, many of these doctors contacted me to report the harassment they were facing,” he added.

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