A 12-year-old Queensland girl who was pregnant for 18 weeks has been granted permission by a Supreme Court judge to terminate her child – a probable legal first in Australian history.
The case marks the first time a Queensland judge had been given the task of determining the lawfulness of terminating a minor’s pregnancy.
The girl had requested the termination and had been given consent by her carers and parents, but it was agreed that a judge’s decision was necessary.
Justice Margaret Wilson considered evidence from two psychiatrists and an obstetrician regarding the psychological wellbeing of the child - should the pregnancy continue.
The professional assessment was made that the pregnancy would have adverse affects on the child’s mental health, given that the child has a mental maturity of a nine-year-old.
Justice Wilson stated the location of the father of the baby was unknown, but he is believed to reside in Queensland.