Kochi: The Kerala High Court issued a ruling on Friday that grants women more rights regarding abortion.

While considering a plea moved by a 23-year-old woman, the bench of Justice Devan Ramachandran ruled that the mother has the right to terminate a pregnancy that is more than 20 weeks old if the divorce proceedings are initiated. 

A married woman is allowed to have an abortion after 20 weeks only in cases of the mother and unborn child facing health problems, mental health issues, divorce or death of her husband. In this regard, the verdict of the High Court granted more rights to women.

The court also observed that the woman have the final say on how to use their body. The verdict also considered a medical report which says that if the petitioner doesn't receive an abortion, she may face severe physical and mental issues later.