This article examines the laws related to abortion in India, demonstrating how conflicting laws create unintended barriers to safe abortion for adolescent girls. It focuses specifically on the situation of adolescent girls seeking abortion, showcasing the unintended consequences that arise from the existing lack of clarity in the legal regime. The article also discusses the recommendations of the committee on the rights of the child and the United Nations' convention on the rights of the child. This article will review the legal framework relating to abortion in India, explain how conflicting laws negatively impact the health of adolescent girls, show how such laws criminalise adolescent sexuality, and highlight two major issues that deserve further consideration and discussion: mandatory reporting under POCSO and the requirement of a guardian’s consent for abortion. While there are several other legislations that are in conflict, the scope of this paper is limited to a few important legislations.

Jain D, Tronic B. Conflicting abortion laws in India: Unintended barriers to safe abortion for adolescent girls. Indian journal of medical ethics. 2019 Oct-Dec,4 (NS)(4):310-317.