Abortion in Saudi Arabia

Abortion in Saudi Arabia refers to the termination of a pregnancy within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and is governed by strict Islamic laws and the country's legal framework. The practice is highly regulated and is generally prohibited except under specific circumstances that are deemed permissible by Islamic law (Sharia).

Legislation and Legal Status

Abortion in Saudi Arabia is primarily regulated by Islamic law, which allows abortion under certain conditions. According to the Hanbali school of Islamic jurisprudence, which is predominantly followed in Saudi Arabia, abortion is permitted if the pregnancy endangers the life of the mother or if the fetus has severe defects that would lead to a difficult life. These exceptions are generally accepted up to 120 days (approximately 17 weeks) of gestation, which is considered the point of ensoulment according to Islamic belief.

The Saudi Ministry of Health has guidelines that allow for the termination of pregnancy under specific circumstances. These include:

• If the pregnancy poses a risk to the mother's life.
• If the fetus is diagnosed with a condition that is incompatible with life outside the womb or would result in severe physical or mental disabilities.
• In cases of rape or incest, though this is less clearly defined and often subject to significant legal and social scrutiny.

Procedures and Access

Access to abortion services in Saudi Arabia is restricted and is only available in licensed medical facilities. Women seeking an abortion for permissible reasons must go through a rigorous process that includes medical evaluation, counseling, and the approval of a committee of medical professionals. In cases where the pregnancy is a result of rape or incest, legal proceedings may also be involved, adding to the complexity of accessing abortion services.

Social and Cultural Aspects

The topic of abortion is sensitive in Saudi Arabian society, which places a high value on family and children. The societal stigma associated with abortion can be significant, leading many women to avoid seeking legal abortion services even when they qualify under the law. This stigma, combined with the strict legal requirements, can make it difficult for women to access safe and legal abortions.

International Perspective

Saudi Arabia's abortion laws are more restrictive than those in many Western countries but are similar to those in other Muslim-majority countries that also follow Islamic law in governing abortion. The international community, including human rights organizations, has expressed concern about the access to safe and legal abortion services in Saudi Arabia, particularly in cases of rape, incest, or severe fetal abnormalities.

See Also

• Healthcare in Saudi Arabia
• Women's rights in Saudi Arabia
• Islamic bioethics
• Abortion by country