Women in UAE No Longer Need Spousal Consent for Emergency Abortions
Women in the UAE no longer require their husband’s consent to undergo emergency abortions.
New legislation allows women to terminate their pregnancy after receiving the results of their medical report if it states that their own life or that of their unborn child is at risk.
The procedure will only be granted after the woman has given her consent, or if her consent is not possible, her husband or guardian.
The law, which was approved by the government in October, did not clarify if limits were in place to when an abortion could take place.
Previously, the legislation stated that in cases where the baby would be born with life-threatening conditions, abortions were only granted if the foetus was less than 120 days old.
Abortion is only permitted in the UAE if the pregnancy puts the mother’s life at risk or if the baby suffers from life-threatening abnormalities that would prevent it from living a fulfilling life.
The new legislation comes as part of a succession of local and federal laws that are aimed at supporting women’s rights across the country.
Other reforms include decriminalising surrogacy as well as allowing unmarried women to undergo IVF treatment.
Corniche Hospital, Abu Dhabi’s main maternity hospital, which delivers about 7,500 babies a year, performs around five or six terminations a week.
Until a few years ago, it was the only hospital in the emirate permitted to perform the procedure.
Now, the new law permits private, licenced facilities to perform abortions.
Dr. Paul Bosio, chief medical officer at Corniche Hospital, said he has seen both ends of the spectrum of abortion services.
He had previously worked in Ireland when abortions were illegal, as well as in the UK, where abortions have been available since 1967.
“I’ve seen the two extremes and to be where we are [in the UAE] with these new changes, it is ideal,” he told sources.
“The provision of abortion services can be a very controversial area in many parts of the world and in different cultures. But as a gynaecologist who has advocated for both women’s rights and health, I personally feel that our law here is perfect.”
Dr. Bosio noted that while the new law protects mothers who have serious conditions, it also offers a humane approach towards babies who have life-threatening conditions.
“This is why I do have a lot of admiration for the law here.”
Byron James, partner and head of Dubai firm Expatriate Law, said the new law gives women autonomy over their bodies and their unborn child.
