Abortion laws in the UAE have recently been updated to expand the circumstances under which abortions can be performed while also ensuring the safety and legality of the procedure. The new regulations allow for abortions in five instances, including cases of sexual assault, incest, and when the pregnancy poses a risk to the woman’s life. The procedure must be performed within 120 days of pregnancy and must not result in any medical complications.
A dedicated committee, comprising specialists in obstetrics, gynaecology, psychiatry, and a representative from the Public Prosecution will be responsible for evaluating abortion requests. The committee will issue a decision within 5 working days, either approving or rejecting the request. In case of disagreement within the committee, the matter will be referred to the Minister or the head of the health authority. The decision can be appealed by the pregnant woman, her husband, or guardian within 5 working days.
Abortion procedures must be carried out at a licensed healthcare facility by a specialist obstetrician-gynaecologist. The healthcare facility must provide medical and social counselling before and after the procedure. Written consent from the pregnant woman is required before the operation, but in cases of emergency, consent is not necessary. Non-citizen pregnant women must have a valid UAE residency permit for at least 1 year before submitting an abortion request.
Overall, the new regulations aim to provide a legal framework for abortions in the UAE, expanding the circumstances in which the procedure can be performed while ensuring the safety and well-being of pregnant women. The involvement of a dedicated committee of specialists in evaluating abortion requests adds an extra layer of scrutiny to the process, with provisions for appeals in case of disagreement. By outlining the conditions for abortion procedures and the necessary consent requirements, the new regulations seek to standardize and regulate the practice of abortions in the country.
