UAE to legalise abortion in cases of rape and incest in landmark reform

The United Arab Emirates will allow abortions in cases of rape and incest under new legal reforms, marking a significant shift in the country's abortion laws.

A cabinet resolution states that abortions can be performed if the pregnancy results from rape or incest, provided it is reported and confirmed by the public prosecution, and the foetus is less than 120 days old.

Abortion, under a new resolution passed by the cabinet will be permitted "if the pregnancy is the result of intercourse with a female against her will, without her consent, or without adequate volition" or "if the person who caused the pregnancy is an ancestor of the woman or one of her mahram [ineligible for marriage] relatives".

The new law aims to protect women's health and safety, addressing the need for legislation to manage the consequences of such crimes.

Dr Paul Bosio of Corniche Hospital praised the resolution as a significant positive development for women in the UAE. He highlighted that the law now includes pregnancies resulting from coercion or incest as valid grounds for abortion.

The law, which also stipulates that abortions be performed without risking the woman's life, will come into force once published in the official gazette.

Existing UAE law only permits abortion in cases of risk to the mother's life or severe abnormalities in the foetus.

This reform is the latest in a series of changes to the UAE's abortion laws, including the recent allowance for emergency abortions without spousal consent.