Abortion is the termination or ending of a pregnancy before the fetus can survive outside the womb. It can be done through various medical procedures or by taking specific medications. Abortion is a highly regulated practice in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), abortion is heavily regulated by two main laws: the UAE Penal Code and the Medical Liability Law. These laws outline the conditions, restrictions, and penalties associated with abortion in the country.
Under the UAE Penal Code, Article 391 addresses the issue of abortion. UAE Penal Code, Article 391 states that a pregnant woman who intentionally aborts her pregnancy using any means may face imprisonment for up to one year and/or a fine of not more than AED 10,000.
If someone else causes the abortion with the pregnant woman’s consent. They may be sentenced to a minimum of two years in prison or a fine of at least AED 10,000. Visit Law Firms for grabbing more from Lawyers/Advocates in Dubai.
The law also stipulates that if the person performing the abortion is a medical professional, such as a physician, surgeon, pharmacist, or midwife, they may face temporary imprisonment for up to five years.
However, it is important to note that this penalty does not override any more severe punishment prescribed by other laws. If someone causes the abortion of a pregnant woman without her consent, they may be subject to temporary imprisonment for a maximum of seven years.
Under the Medical Liability Law, a doctor is generally prohibited from performing an abortion or prescribing medications that would result in an abortion, except in specific cases. These cases include situations where the pregnancy poses a threat to the life of the pregnant woman.
The Other Side:
There is no alternative to saving her life other than through abortion. In such cases, the procedure can be performed with the approval of a specialized doctor and the attending physician. Alongside, the informed consent of the pregnant woman and her husband/guardian is also needed.
On the other hand, the Medical Liability Law also addresses the issue of abortion but from a medical perspective. According to Article 16 of this law, a doctor is generally prohibited from performing an abortion or prescribing medications that would result in abortion, except in specific cases.
These cases include situations where the pregnancy poses a threat to the life of the pregnant woman. Furthermore, there is no alternative to saving her life other than through abortion. In such cases, the procedure can be performed with the approval of a specialized doctor and the attending physician, as well as the informed consent of the pregnant woman and her husband/guardian.
The if born alive and result in a poor quality of life causing pain to the child and their family.
Medical Liability Law also allows for abortion in cases where there is evidence of serious and incurable fetal malformation. To qualify, the malformation must present a significant risk of harm to the babyIn such instances, the spouses must submit a written request for the abortion. The procedure must be performed within 120 days of the pregnancy. A medical committee’s report based on appropriate tests is required to confirm fetal malformation.
Any doctor who deliberately performs an abortion on a pregnant woman, regardless of her consent, may be sentenced to imprisonment for a maximum of four years under the Medical Liability Law’s Article 33.
If the abortion leads to the death of the pregnant woman, the doctor may face harsher penalties, with imprisonment ranging from five to ten years.
It’s important to note that the UAE’s laws on abortion are stringent. The practice is generally only permitted in cases where there is a threat to the life of the pregnant woman.
Moreover, in case of evidence of serious and incurable fetal malformation. These laws aim to regulate and control the circumstances under which abortion can take place while ensuring the protection of both the mother and the unborn child.
It’s important to note that the UAE’s laws on abortion are stringent and aim to regulate the circumstances under which abortion can take place. The laws prioritize the protection of the life and well-being of both the pregnant woman and the unborn child.
