The Delhi government’s health department on Thursday said the protocol for rape cases should include administering a morning-after pill to the victim so as to prevent unwanted pregnancies.
The Dhaula Kuan rape victim was not given a morning after pill after the crime, said officials at the Safdarjung Hospital — where the girl’s medical examination was conducted. The morning-after pill is a mode of emergency contraception.
On Thursday, minister for health and family welfare Kiran Walia called for better medical aid for the girl and batted for the morning-after pill.
“The protocol for rape victims should include administering them the morning-after pill. This would prevent unwanted pregnancy in the victim, which may cause her more trauma in the future,” Walia said.
“We would extend medical help and provide shelter to the Dhaula Kuan rape victim if she wants,” she added. “The pill is a good remedy to lessen the damage. Victims who become pregnant after rape face a tough time.
It would be wise to include this method in rape cases,” she said. The WHO’s “guidelines for medico-legal care for victims of sexual violence” recommends that healthcare and forensic services be provided at the same time, and by the same person, to reduce the potential for duplicating questions and further traumatising the victim.
“In rape cases, the authorities are not using appropriate technology that can help trace the culprits and help the victim recover. We want to enforce directives such as properly preserving evidence,” Walia said. The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) called for better counselling for the Dhaula Kuan rape victim.
“She should be given better medical aid and counselling. We will meet her soon and talk to her what she wants to do now,” DCW member Reny Jacob said. Delhi Police’s deputy commissioner (South) HGS Dhaliwal said the victim is “satisfied” after two accused were nabbed and one surrendered on Thursday.
“She is happy and satisfied with the action the Delhi Police have taken,” he said.
“The victim is courageous and has assisted us a lot in nabbing the culprits.
