ALBAWABA- The UAE has issued a new law permitting abortion in cases of rape and incest, marking a significant shift in its reproductive rights regulations. Previously, abortions were allowed only if the pregnancy endangered the woman’s life or if the fetus was proven deformed.
The recent resolution expands the circumstances under which the procedure can be legally performed to five specific instances.
A licensed physician can now conduct abortions if the pregnancy results from rape or incest or at the request of the spouses with the approval of a designated committee.
While the exact nature of the requests from spouses is not detailed in the resolution, it includes non-consensual intercourse and pregnancies resulting from a close family member.
The gestational period for the abortion must not exceed 120 days. The law applies to both Emiratis and expatriates, with non-Emiratis required to have legally resided in the UAE for at least a year before submitting the request.
The resolution also mandates that women receive medical and social counseling before and after the procedure.
Samara Iqbal, founding partner of Aramas International Lawyers, noted that this new law represents a major shift in the UAE's approach to reproductive rights, aligning with international standards and reflecting the country's broader efforts to modernize its legal system.
Iqbal highlighted that these reforms are part of the UAE’s commitment to enhancing women's autonomy and health, promoting gender equality, and improving protections against domestic violence and discrimination, as reported by the Khaleej Times.
This law also aligns with advancements in family courts, particularly the Abu Dhabi Civil Court, which now allows women to apply for no-fault divorce and claim more rights in terms of spousal maintenance.
