C-section can be performed on vulnerable young woman if emergency arises, court rules

The woman's mental condition deprives her of the ability to consider what is best for her and her baby, said counsel.

The woman at the centre of the case is 34 weeks pregnant and aged in her early 20s. File Picture: Pexels

The High Court president has ruled that a hospital can perform an emergency caesarian section on a vulnerable young woman against her will if an unanticipated life-threatening situation arises.

Mr Justice David Barnville said he was “instinctively very hesitant” about giving authority for carrying out such an invasive act on the woman, who is 34 weeks pregnant and aged  in her early 20s.