If you are a woman living in the Middle East, such as the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, or Bahrain, you are undoubtedly aware of how difficult it is for women to obtain safe and legal abortion services due to strict abortion laws.

New UAE law on unmarried parenting

The new UAE Penal Law decriminalized extramarital affairs and added allowances for unmarried parenting. The UAE Penal Code Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021. Which was published as part of the UAE’s greatest package of legislative revisions last month, intends to improve women’s and domestic helper protection while also enhancing social cohesion and public safety.

Continue reading to learn more about abortion in the United Arab Emirates and our ultimate advice for pregnant women.

Abortion  in UAE 

According to the UAE law, it is a crime to abort a pregnancy unless:

• it endangers the woman’s life or
• there is evidence that the baby will be born with fatal deformities and will not survive.

The fetus must be aborted before it is 120 days old, which is during the 17th week of the pregnancy and one week into the second trimester. The abortion must be approved by an authorized medical board. Abortion of a fetus after 120 days of pregnancy is not permitted.

What’s the best solution for pregnant mothers?

According to the New Personal Laws of 2021, women who become pregnant outside of marriage will be provided with all legal comforts and would be cared for. However, it’s important to remember that conception outside of marriage might have serious long-term repercussions.

We advise pregnant women to consider other options, such as marrying the child’s father if the two have already discussed starting a family. Many countries, like Georgia and Seychelles, make it quite simple for couples to obtain their marriage license in two weeks.

If you’re having an unexpected pregnancy and planning a wedding, give our team of legal wedding planners a call.