REPRODUCTIVE AUTONOMY AND EQUALITY: A CASE COMMENTARY ON X v. PRINCIPAL SECRETARY (2022)

The decision in X v. Principal Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, Govt. of NCT of Delhi (2022) is a landmark ruling that significantly strengthened women’s reproductive rights in India. While the case originated from the plea of an unmarried woman seeking termination of pregnancy, its impact extends far beyond the individual petitioner. Through a progressive interpretation of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy framework, the Supreme Court affirmed that reproductive choices, dignity, privacy, and personal liberty cannot be restricted basis of marital status. The judgment not only protects a woman’s right to make decisions concerning her own body but also promotes a more inclusive understanding of equality and respect within society. This commentary examines the facts, issues, reasoning, and broader implications of the decisions, highlighting its contribution to women’s rights and reproductive justice in India.