UAE Ministry of Health Clarifies Abortion Regulations

The UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) has officially laid out the procedure for cases where abortion is permitted, aimed at preserving the pregnant woman’s life, ensuring her safety and enhancing the oversight of healthcare facilities in the country.

Abortion is permitted under clear conditions and controls in the UAE: all cases of abortion should be performed in an authorised facility by a licensed physician, and the procedure should not result in any medical complications that pose a threat to the woman’s life. Furthermore,  the duration of the pregnancy at the time of the abortion should not exceed 120 days. The abortion may be performed if the continuation of the pregnancy may threaten the woman’s life, or foetal deformation is severe, proven and will affect the baby’s life.

MOHAP has promised that a committee will be established in each health authority to thoroughly examine abortion requests. The committees will be composed of three doctors: one obstetrics and gynaecology specialist, one psychiatry specialist, and one representative from the Public Prosecution. The committee is permitted to seek consultation from a third party with the appropriate expertise where necessary.

It will be the responsibility of the respective healthcare authorities to monitor and supervise the activities of healthcare facilities licensed to perform abortions and evaluate their compliance.

Earlier in 2024, a UAE law regarding abortion was amended to ease the rules of consent. The changes have made it easier for medical professionals to perform an abortion if they consider the woman’s life to be in grave danger, requiring immediate surgical intervention.