The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is moving towards allowing abortions in cases of rape and incest. This change could make the country’s abortion laws more lenient compared to laws in up to nine US states.
Following the US Supreme Court’s removal of federal protections for abortion in 2022, 14 states have restricted abortion access, nearly outlawing it entirely.
In contrast, the UAE Cabinet has passed a resolution permitting abortions for cases involving rape and incest. To qualify, the incident must be reported promptly, and the procedure must occur within 120 days of pregnancy.
UAE to Allow Abortion
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to allow abortions in cases of rape and incest, marking a significant liberalization of its current laws. This move contrasts sharply with recent tightening of abortion restrictions in several US states following changes in federal protections.
The UAE’s new policy requires that incidents of rape and incest be reported promptly for the procedure to be approved, with a strict timeline of 120 days into the pregnancy. This decision reflects evolving perspectives on reproductive rights in the region, potentially setting a precedent in the Middle East for more progressive legislation on abortion.
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State-by-State Abortion Laws
In the United States, nine states out of 14, including Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Texas, do not allow abortions even in cases of rape or incest. This information comes from a report by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), a nonprofit focused on healthcare research.
In contrast, similar to recent developments in Arabian nations, some US states have implemented strict regulations concerning abortion. Below, we’ll explore these states and their specific laws.
Arizona: After 15 weeks of pregnancy, abortion is not allowed, even in cases of rape or incest. There’s a temporary near-total ban until an old abortion law from 1864 is fully repealed later this year.
Mississippi: Abortion is generally banned, but exceptions are made if the pregnancy is due to rape or incest. However, it’s required to report such cases to law enforcement.
Idaho: There are two types of abortion bans. One bans abortion after six weeks of pregnancy, and the other bans it completely. Both laws allow exceptions for rape and incest but only during the first trimester. Reporting to law enforcement is mandatory.
Indiana: There’s a complete ban on abortion, but exceptions are allowed if the pregnancy is due to rape or incest. These exceptions are permitted up to 12 weeks of pregnancy.
North Dakota: Abortion is prohibited after six weeks of pregnancy, even in cases of rape or incest.
West Virginia: Abortion is banned entirely, but exceptions are made for cases of rape and incest. Adults can get abortions up to eight weeks into pregnancy, while minors can do so up to 14 weeks. Reporting to law enforcement is mandatory in these cases.
UAE Cabinet Decision Expands Abortion Rights
The UAE’s Cabinet recently made a decision, called Resolution No. (44) of 2024, regarding Medical Liability law. This decision allows abortions in certain situations. For example, if a woman becomes pregnant because someone forced her to have sex against her will or without her agreeing to it, or if the person who got her pregnant is a close relative who she cannot legally marry, like a brother or uncle.
This resolution was reported by The National, a newspaper owned by the UAE government that is published in English. It will become official and start being followed once it is printed in the UAE’s Official Gazette, which is where all official laws and regulations are announced.
Dr. Paul Bosio, who is the Chief Medical Officer at Corniche Hospital in Abu Dhabi, explained that this new decision is meant to protect the health and safety of women and society. He said it’s a positive change because it allows a woman to decide to have an abortion in these specific situations, where her pregnancy resulted from coercion, lack of consent, or incest.
Overall, this resolution aims to support women’s rights and ensure their well-being in challenging circumstances related to pregnancy.
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UAE to Allow Abortion FAQs
Q.1. What does the UAE’s new abortion law allow?
Ans. The UAE now permits abortions in cases of rape and incest, with conditions such as timely reporting and a 120-day limit into pregnancy.
Q.2. How does the UAE’s law compare to US state laws?
Ans. Unlike nine US states where abortion is restricted even in cases of rape or incest, the UAE has liberalized its laws under certain circumstances.
Q.3. When will the UAE’s new abortion law take effect?
Ans. The law will be official once published in the UAE’s Official Gazette, following Cabinet Resolution No. (44) of 2024.
Q.4. Who reported on the UAE’s new abortion law?
Ans. The National, the UAE’s English-language daily, reported on the Cabinet’s decision and its implications.
Q.5. Why did the UAE change its abortion laws?
Ans. The change aims to protect women’s health and rights, allowing them autonomy in decisions regarding pregnancies resulting from coercion, lack of consent, or incest.
