Panel of doctors to convene over rape victim’s abortion plea today

A 10-year-old girl, who became pregnant after enduring multiple rapes at the hands of her stepfather, is having her case discussed among a panel of doctors in India today.

The child, whose is due to give birth in four months, has found herself at the centre of a legal 'grey area' as Indian law does not allow terminations after 20 weeks unless medical professionals believe the mother's life is in danger.

With the child's family demanding permission for a termination, doctors from the Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences are meeting today to discuss the request.

It is understood the case only came to light last week after the child's mother suspected her daughter may be pregnant, and brought her to a doctor.

According to the BBC, the child subsequently revealed she had been raped by her stepfather while her mother was at work and warned against confiding in anyone.

The child's stepfather was arrested and is being detained pending a full police investigation.

It has been established that India's Supreme Court has received several petitions from rape victims in recent months requesting terminations and each case has been referred to a panel of medical experts.