In a pivotal ruling on Friday, the Supreme Court of India allowed a 15-year-old girl to terminate her 31-week pregnancy, asserting that compelling her to continue would violate her fundamental rights. The bench, comprising Justice BV Nagarathna and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, emphasized the importance of a woman's reproductive autonomy, stating it must be accorded the highest importance. The court took into account the minor's psychological distress, noting she had attempted suicide twice, and declared that forcing her to carry the pregnancy to term would be a direct affront to her right to live with dignity. The court highlighted that decisions regarding one's body are intrinsic to personal liberty and privacy under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. Despite the Solicitor General's concerns about medical risks associated with late-term abortions, the court maintained that the minor's best interests should prevail, especially in cases of unwanted pregnancies. The ruling reinforces the judiciary's commitment to protecting women's bodily autonomy and dignity.