UAE Cabinet Approves Abortion in Cases of Sexual Abuse or Involving Mahram

The resolution awaits ratification by the President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates before coming into effect.

ABU DHABI: The UAE Cabinet has passed Resolution No. (44) under the Medical Liability Law 2024, allowing abortion in cases where pregnancy results from sexual abuse or involves a mahram, with strict conditions.

According to the official UAE newspaper, abortion is permitted if the pregnancy is caused by sexual abuse of a woman or without her consent, or if the person responsible is her mahram. The procedure can be performed up to 120 days of gestation and applies to residents who have lived in the UAE for at least one year. It mandates that abortions must be conducted safely without medical complications, prioritizing the well-being and safety of women.

A senior UAE official emphasized the need for legislation that protects women, children, and families, as reported by a state-run newspaper correspondent.

The resolution awaits ratification by the President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates before coming into effect. The UAE maintains strict laws against sexual assault, with rape punishable by life imprisonment. In severe cases involving minors or vulnerable women, perpetrators may face the death penalty. Similarly, if the offender is a mahram or a close relative of the victim, the death penalty can also be imposed.

The UAE’s decision to allow abortion in specific circumstances reflects its commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of women facing traumatic situations such as sexual abuse. The resolution sets forth clear guidelines to ensure that medical procedures are conducted responsibly and in accordance with legal safeguards.