Anshita Agarwal, B.COM LLB, Indian Institute of Legal Studies, Dagapur
Sakshi Modi, B.COM LLB, Indian Institute of Legal Studies, Dagapur
ABSTRACT:
Women in modern times are emerging as equal to men in every field. They play a vital role in bringing new lives to this world. The decision of a women regarding the creation or destruction of life inside her womb should be without any pre-conceived idea following her progenitive rights. Pregnancy refers to the period from the moment of fertilization of egg/s, till the time of the delivery of the child. Abortion on the other hand refers to the termination of pregnancy. Several numbers of pregnancy prevention methods and abortion procedures have been experimented by women on their body since time immemorial. Even in today’s time the status of women regarding the decision to abort is not entirely hers. Also, she must be under no compulsion or prejudice in this matter. Whenever a pregnant woman expresses her desire for abortion, there arises an issue. A debatable issue as to who shall take the very decision? - the woman herself, her husband, the husband's side of the family, the state authority or the society at large? Some say that abortion is a form of human killing, but then what about bodily autonomy? Pro-choice or pro-life? The researchers aim to seek answers for the questions raised and analyzing the very issue from the perspective of Indian legal framework alongside throwing light upon the US policies on this very matter.
Keywords: pregnancy, abortion, bodily autonomy, progenitive rights, pro- choice, pro-life.
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