The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has amended its abortion laws, introducing greater flexibility by allowing pregnancy terminations in various cases, including instances of rape.
According to a report in the Khaleej Times, the UAE has specified three additional scenarios where abortions will now be permitted.
Under a recent cabinet resolution, abortions can be performed by a licensed physician if the pregnancy results from rape or incest, or if requested by spouses with approval from a designated committee. The specifics of the spousal request process have not been detailed in the resolution.
Additionally, abortions are now permissible in cases of non-consensual intercourse or if the person responsible for the pregnancy is from the woman’s lineage or relatives.
With the introduction of this new resolution alongside existing Medical Liability Law, abortions are now authorized in five specific cases. Previously, abortions were only allowed if the pregnancy endangered the woman’s life or if fetal deformities were confirmed.
