The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has announced the procedures and regulations for cases where abortion is permitted.
In an X post on Saturday, the authority outlined various cases where an abortion is legal.
New controls specify that requests will be evaluated by a committee comprised of three doctors including an obstetrician-gynecologist and psychiatrist, plus a prosecution representative. The committee can seek additional specialist advice.
وزارة الصحة ووقاية المجتمع تعلن عن الإجراءات والضوابط المتعلقة بالحالات التي يسمح فيها بالإجهاض pic.twitter.com/pZ3Mgc76YK
— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) June 8, 2024
Abortion is permitted if continuing the pregnancy endangers the woman’s life and there is no alternative to save her, or if the foetus has severe proven deformities affecting its health and life, supported by a medical report.
Several other case definitions were given provided the gestation period does not exceed 120 days.
Procedures must take place in facilities licensed by the health authority to perform abortions, and be conducted by a licensed specialist obstetrician-gynecologist. With no medical complications risking the woman’s life.
Authorities will develop policies outlining facility and staff responsibilities for such cases, including the rights and health requirements of the woman.
“Healthcare facilities in the UAE have also been obligated, by the new controls, to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of the personal data of a pregnant woman undergoing an abortion. Additionally, it is the responsibility of the health authority to monitor and supervise the activities of the healthcare facilities licensed to perform abortions and evaluate their compliance,” WAM said in as statement.
