In a landmark decision, the United Arab Emirates has introduced legal reforms permitting abortions in cases of rape and incest. This significant shift in the nation’s abortion laws aims to protect women’s health and address the aftermath of such heinous crimes.
Under a newly passed cabinet resolution, abortions are now allowed if a pregnancy results from rape or incest, provided the case is reported and verified by the public prosecution. The resolution specifies that the abortion must be performed within 120 days of pregnancy.
The resolution outlines specific conditions under which abortions can be conducted. Terminations are permissible “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.”
Dr. Paul Bosio of Corniche Hospital lauded the new legislation as a progressive step for women’s rights in the UAE. “This resolution marks a significant positive development, recognizing pregnancies resulting from coercion or incest as valid grounds for abortion,” Dr. Bosio stated.
The reform stipulates that abortions must be performed in a manner that does not endanger the woman’s life. This law will take effect once published in the official gazette.
Previously, UAE law permitted abortions solely in cases where the mother’s life was at risk or if the foetus exhibited severe abnormalities. The recent legal reforms also include provisions for emergency abortions without requiring spousal consent, reflecting a broader trend towards modernizing the UAE’s stance on reproductive rights.
These changes represent a crucial advancement in the legal landscape, ensuring better protection and support for women affected by rape and incest.
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