In a significant ruling, the Gujarat High Court has allowed a minor rape survivor to terminate her 25-week pregnancy, prioritizing her mental health and social dignity. Justice M R Mengdey underscored the trauma and potential ostracism the survivor would face if the pregnancy continued. The court directed a team of senior doctors from GMERS General Hospital in Vadnagar, Mahesana, to conduct the procedure urgently, emphasizing the need for immediate action to alleviate the survivor's suffering. The ruling aligns with the established 'best interest theory' for minors, which prioritizes their welfare over legal technicalities. The court also mandated that if the baby is born alive, it should receive the best medical care, and if the survivor cannot care for the child, the state must assume responsibility. This decision follows a similar case in Karnataka, where the court permitted the termination of a 26-week pregnancy for another minor rape survivor, reinforcing the judiciary's commitment to protecting the dignity and rights of vulnerable individuals.