Letters to the Editor: Landmark Judgment

The landmark judgment by the Supreme Court, extending abortion rights to single women for up to 24 weeks of pregnancy comes as a huge relief to them. The apex court ruling gains more significance viewed from the perspective that earlier this year the US Supreme Court had overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade abortion right, paving the way for many states in the country to ban or restrict women's access to abortions. Termination of pregnancy has always been a cultural, religious and emotional issue in most cultures, and any questions asked about it can be disturbing and traumatizing. There should be no distinction between a married woman and an unmarried woman when it comes to all citizens' equal right to care and compassion. The SC's verdict shall always be a watershed moment in India's legal history. But it remains to be seen how far our society shall support the liberty of Indian women on their bodies as mental attitudes do not change fast.

Ranganathan Sivakumar

Chennai – 600 091