Abortion in the United Arab Emirates
- Abortion in the United Arab Emirates
Abortion in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a complex issue governed by strict laws and cultural norms. The legal framework surrounding abortion in the UAE is influenced by Islamic principles, which generally prohibit the practice except under specific circumstances. This article explores the legal, cultural, and medical aspects of abortion in the UAE.
Legal Framework[edit | edit source]
In the UAE, abortion is primarily regulated by the Federal Law No. 3 of 1987, also known as the Penal Code. According to this law, abortion is illegal except in cases where the pregnancy poses a threat to the life of the mother or if the fetus has a fatal abnormality that will lead to death shortly after birth.
Conditions for Legal Abortion[edit | edit source]
1. **Threat to the Mother's Life**: Abortion is permissible if continuing the pregnancy endangers the mother's life. This must be confirmed by a medical committee.
2. **Fetal Abnormalities**: If the fetus is diagnosed with a condition that is incompatible with life, abortion may be allowed. This requires a medical report from a certified hospital.
3. **Gestational Limits**: Abortion for fetal abnormalities is generally only permitted within the first 120 days of pregnancy.
Penalties for Illegal Abortion[edit | edit source]
Performing an abortion outside the legal exceptions can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment for both the provider and the woman undergoing the procedure. The law also penalizes anyone who assists in procuring an illegal abortion.
Cultural and Religious Context[edit | edit source]
The UAE is a predominantly Muslim country, and Islamic teachings play a significant role in shaping the laws and societal attitudes towards abortion. In Islam, abortion is generally prohibited after the soul is believed to enter the fetus, which is considered to occur at 120 days of gestation. However, Islamic jurisprudence allows for exceptions to save the mother's life or in cases of severe fetal impairment.
Medical Considerations[edit | edit source]
Healthcare providers in the UAE must navigate the legal restrictions while providing care to pregnant women. Hospitals have established protocols to ensure compliance with the law, and any decision to perform an abortion must be thoroughly documented and justified.
Public Opinion and Debate[edit | edit source]
Public opinion on abortion in the UAE is influenced by religious beliefs, cultural values, and legal constraints. There is limited public debate on the issue, and discussions are often framed within the context of religious and ethical considerations.
Also see[edit | edit source]
- Healthcare in the United Arab Emirates
- Islamic views on abortion
- Women's rights in the United Arab Emirates
- Reproductive rights
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
