1. Legal Framework in the UAE

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Permitted Cases under Current Laws

Since June 2024, Cabinet Resolution No. 44 of 2024 broadened the list of permissible abortion cases. Abortions are now legally allowed under these five circumstances:

1. When the mother’s life is endangered.

2. Confirmed severe fetal abnormalities, as certified by medical experts.

3. Pregnancy resulting from rape or coercion, proven via official Public Prosecution reports.

4. Pregnancy due to incest, also proven via official report.

5. At the request of both spouses, subject to approval by a specialized medical committee.
   All abortions must occur within 120 days (about 17 weeks) of the pregnancy (

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Conditions & Procedures

• A Committee, established by each health authority, must approve requests. This Committee includes:

  • Obstetrics/gynecology specialist,

  • A psychiatrist,

  • A Public Prosecution representative 

• Abortions must be performed in licensed medical facilities by qualified obstetricians/gynecologists 

• Written consent from the woman is required. If she is unable, consent from husband or guardian is accepted—except in emergency, where consent is not required 

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Expatriate (Foreign Resident) Conditions

• Non‑Emirati women must hold a valid UAE residence permit for at least one year before applying for an abortion under the allowed cases 

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Criminal Penalties for Illegal Abortions

• A woman who self‑induces or consents to an illegal abortion faces up to 1 year imprisonment and/or fine up to AED 10,000.

• Anyone causing an abortion (with consent) may face at least 2 years imprisonment, and if performed by medical staff, up to 5 years or more.

• Aborting without the woman’s consent carries a penalty of up to 7 years prison.

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2. Experiences of  Foreign Nationals (Expatriates & Tourists)

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Expats with Legal Residency

• Expatriate women with valid one‑year residency can apply for abortion under permitted cases.

• They must go through the medical committee, provide evidence (e.g. reports for rape cases), and obtain written consent.

• Fear of legal risk and social stigma is especially high, particularly for pregnancies outside of marriage.

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Short‑Term Visitors and Tourists

• Without legal residency, tourists cannot qualify for legal abortion—even in permitted cases.

• If pregnancy arises, options are extremely limited.

• Many resort to unsafe or illegal methods, including obtaining medication through informal channels, often risking health or legal consequences 

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Unsafe Self‑Managed Abortions

• Historically, women in the UAE (both locals and expats) have purchased ulcer/antacid tablets or other medication online or via informal sellers, hoping to end pregnancies. These methods failed in ~15–20% and sometimes led to severe bleeding, infection, or death

• The black‑market pills were sometimes sold for AED 5,000, compared to ~AED 160 in Europe 

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3. Situation of  UAE Nationals

• UAE citizens are eligible for legal abortion under the same five permitted criteria.

• Consent procedures are similar: written consent from the woman (or guardian/husband if necessary), with Committee approval.

• Citizens generally have better access to public medical facilities, though there remains social and cultural stigma, especially around pregnancies before marriage.

• Enforcement of penalties for illegal abortion also applies to citizens.

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4. Access to Abortion Medication

• Medications like mifepristone and misoprostol are strictly controlled in the UAE and subject to licensing.

• Individuals cannot legally import such drugs without authorization, and prescribing doctors must act within strict legal boundaries.

• There is no legal way for tourists to purchase medical abortion pills from licensed pharmacies.

• Many people resort to the illegal market or online vendors, despite serious health risks.

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5. Summary Comparison

Group Legal Access Practical Challenges Risk from Illegal Means

UAE nationals Yes—if one of five permitted cases & within 120 days Committee approval, consent requirements, and social stigma High legal risk, social consequences

Expatriates (residents, >1 year)Yes—for eligible cases, with residency condition Must navigate legal process, possible employer detection risks Similar health & legal risks as nationals

Short‑term visitors/tourists No—forbidden even in permitted scenarios No residency, no committee access; cannot legally obtain abortion Likely to resort to unsafe self‑managed attempts

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6. Practical Advice & Observations

• Anyone in the UAE who believes they are experiencing a pregnancy that meets legal criteria should act promptly (preferably within 120 days) and seek care at a licensed medical facility.

• Official medical committees must be consulted, and official documentation (e.g. from Public Prosecution in rape/incest cases) is mandatory.

• Access is denied to tourists or short‑term visitors—any attempt to seek abortion outside the legal framework is high-risk, both medically and legally.

• There are no legal, over‑the‑counter options for obtaining abortion medication in the UAE.

• History shows that unsafe abortions via ulcer pills or other black‑market products have led to serious health complications and even death.

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Final Thoughts

The UAE’s abortion laws remain highly regulated and restrictive, with clear legal pathways only in very limited and strictly defined cases. While recent 2024 reforms have expanded access—especially regarding rape, incest, and joint spousal consent—the requirements are stringent. Expatriate women with proper residency may access legal abortion, but tourists and short‑term visitors remain excluded, facing significant barriers if in need. Unsafe self‑managed abortion methods persist in the informal market and carry severe health and legal dangers.

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If you'd like information specific to a certain emirate (Dubai vs. Abu Dhabi), or insight on contacting licensed medical providers or legal support groups, please contact Dr. Grace Shova +971544694634