Mumbai: 

CONCERNED: Dr Nikhil Datar

On August 2, MiD DAY had written about a woman who was in the 28th week of pregnancy and wanted an abortion, as her baby would be born handicapped. She was a patient of Dr Nikhil Datar who is also the gynaecologist of Nikita and Haresh Mehta. Now, Datar has told MiD DAY the woman has gone underground and that he hasn't heard from the couple or their earlier doctor since the Mehtas' verdict was out. "They've severed all contact and I fear that they, like so many, will approach a quack for a procedure that could endanger their lives," said Datar.

The couple isn't the only one opting for illegal abortions once they overshoot the 20-week mark. Dr Hrishikesh Pai, president of the Mumbai Obstetrics and Gynecology Society, said pregnant unmarried women often come in to ask about options once the deadline is up and then never make contact again. "Whether they approach quacks or have the children, we'll never know."