The UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention (Mohap) has outlined new procedures and regulations for permitted abortion cases, emphasizing the protection of the pregnant woman’s life and ensuring safety and oversight in healthcare facilities.
According to Mohap, abortion is allowed under specific conditions. A committee will be established within each health authority to carefully review abortion requests. These procedures must be conducted in authorized facilities by licensed physicians, ensuring no medical complications that could endanger the woman’s life. Additionally, the pregnancy duration at the time of abortion must not exceed 120 days.
Regulatory Committee Composition
Decisions on abortion requests will be made by a dedicated committee formed by Mohap or the head of an emirate’s health authority. The committee will include:
- An obstetrics and gynecology specialist
- A psychiatry specialist
- A representative from the Public Prosecution
The committee may also consult third-party specialists as needed.
Conditions for Abortion
Abortion is permitted if the continuation of the pregnancy poses a risk to the woman’s life or if there is no other way to save her life. It is also allowed if the fetus has severe deformities that would significantly impact its health and life. These cases must be supported by a medical report from a specialized medical committee. The gestational period at the time of abortion must not exceed 120 days.
Authorized Facilities and Responsibilities
Abortion procedures must be performed in healthcare facilities licensed by the authority and conducted by licensed specialist obstetrician-gynecologists. The facilities must ensure the procedure is free of any medical complications that could jeopardize the woman’s life.
Healthcare facilities are responsible for informing the pregnant woman of her rights and the necessary healthcare requirements before and after the procedure. They must also maintain the privacy and confidentiality of the woman’s personal data. Health authorities are tasked with monitoring and supervising these facilities to ensure compliance with regulations.
Earlier this year, UAE laws on abortion were amended to ease consent rules, particularly in emergency cases where the mother’s life is in grave danger. In such cases, consent is not required for immediate surgical intervention.
