Is Abortion Legal in the UAE? 2025 Overview

Wondering if you can end a pregnancy in the United Arab Emirates? The short answer is: it’s allowed, but only under strict conditions. The law isn’t a free‑for‑all – you need to meet specific medical or legal criteria and go through an approval process.

Current Legal Framework

UAE penal code criminalises abortion unless one of the following exceptions applies:

• Life‑threatening health risk to the mother.
• Severe fetal abnormality that would make the baby non‑viable.
• Pregnancy resulting from rape, incest or other illegal acts.
• Pregnancy that endangers the mother’s physical or mental health, approved by a medical board.

Since the 2020 amendment, doctors can grant permission up to 24 weeks gestation if the case fits any of the above categories. Anything beyond 24 weeks needs a court order, which is rare.

How to Access Safe Services

To stay on the right side of the law, you must go through a licensed hospital or a certified private clinic. The typical steps are:

1. Visit a registered gynecologist for an initial assessment.
2. If the case fits an exception, the doctor submits a request to a hospital‑based medical committee.
3. The committee reviews the request and, if approved, signs off on the procedure.
4. The actual termination is performed by a qualified obstetrician in a facility that follows UAE health regulations.

All paperwork stays confidential, but you’ll need to provide identity documents and any relevant medical records. Unlicensed providers are illegal and can lead to heavy fines or imprisonment, so avoid them at all costs.

If you’re a foreigner, the process is the same, but you might need a sponsor’s consent if you’re on a work visa. Most hospitals will help you navigate the paperwork, but it’s wise to have a trusted local contact or lawyer on hand.

Cost varies widely – public hospitals charge less, while high‑end private clinics can be pricey. Expect the total to include doctor’s fees, lab tests, the procedure itself, and post‑procedure follow‑up.

After the procedure, you’ll receive a short recovery plan. Follow it closely: keep the incision clean, avoid heavy lifting, and watch for signs of infection. If anything feels off, call the clinic immediately.

In short, abortion is legal in the UAE, but only when the law’s narrow exceptions are met and the proper medical approval is obtained. Stick to licensed facilities, keep all documentation, and avoid any underground services to stay safe and legal.