The legal rights of the fetus: Nepali perspective

This article provides an analysis of the legal rights and protection accorded to fetuses under the Nepali law and the comparative common statues. It also analyses the abortion law in Nepal, which aims to balance the needs of women seeking abortion with limited protections for late-term fetuses. The article considers the case, "Lakshmi Dhikta v. the Government of Nepal," which held that access to abortion was a constitutionally formed right. However, barriers to this right still exist, especially among disadvantaged women. Globally, the debate continues between those who advocate for the rights of the fetus and those who put the autonomy of the women first. While some countries grant the fetus limited legal rights, others grant the fetus personhood rights. It is therefore pertinent to discuss the ethics of prenatal harm, sex-selective abortion, and the possible conflict between maternal and fetal interests. The multifaceted law should regulate maternal health, the interest of the fetus, and discrimination while ensuring feasible and affordable abortion.