If you are seeking information about abortion pills in Dubai, it is critical to understand that the legal and medical landscape has changed significantly since June 2024. Navigating this process requires a clear understanding of Cabinet Decision No. 44/2024 and the strict protocols enforced by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
Is Abortion in Dubai legal? (The 2026 Update)
Recent legislative reforms, including Federal Decree-Law No. 18 of 2023, have expanded the grounds for legal medical termination in the UAE. Abortion is no longer strictly prohibited but is governed by a rigorous medical-legal framework.
The 5 Legal Grounds for Termination for abortion in Dubai
| Condition | Legal Requirement | Gestational Limit |
| Risk to Mother’s Life | No alternative to save her life. | No limit |
| Severe Fetal Deformity | Confirmed by medical report. | Up to 120 Days |
| Rape or Sexual Assault | Requires a public prosecution report. | Up to 120 Days |
| Incestuous Pregnancy | Proven by an official legal report. | Up to 120 Days |
| Joint Spousal Request | Subject to committee approval. | Up to 120 Days |
The Reality of Abortion Pills (Mifepristone & Misoprostol)
In Dubai and the UAE, “abortion pills” (commonly known by brand names like Cytotec or Mifegyne) are classified as controlled hospital medications.
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- They are NOT available over-the-counter: you cannot walk into a retail pharmacy (like Life or Aster) and buy them.
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- Hospital-Only Administration: These medications are only dispensed within a hospital setting after the Medical Oversight Committee approves the case.
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- The Danger of “Black Market” Sellers: Searching for these pills on WhatsApp, Instagram, or through unauthorized websites is extremely dangerous. These “underground” pills are often counterfeit, expired, or improperly dosed, leading to incomplete abortions, severe hemorrhaging, or sepsis.
How the Approval Process for Abortion in dubai Works
If you believe you meet the legal criteria, you cannot simply request a prescription. The UAE follows a strict bureaucratic and medical path:
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- Initial Consultation: You must visit a licensed OB/GYN at a government or authorized private hospital.
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- The Committee Review: Your case is referred to a specialized committee consisting of three doctors and, in legal cases, a representative from the public prosecution.
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- The 120-Day Rule: For most cases (except those involving the mother’s life), the termination must occur before the fetus is 120 days old.
Video Guide: UAE Abortion Laws Explained
To understand how the law applies specifically to expatriates, we recommend watching this legal breakdown by experts in UAE law.
Key Timestamps for Your Safety:
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- [00:01:45] – Conditions for life-saving emergencies.
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- [00:03:11] – The 120-Day Rule for fetal abnormalities.
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- [00:03:24] – The one-year residency rule for non-citizens.
The “One-Year Residency” Requirement
A detail often missed by international websites is the residency rule. To access legal termination services in Dubai as an expatriate, the woman (or the family) must generally have held a valid UAE residency permit for at least one continuous year at the time of the application. Visitors or tourists may be redirected to their home countries or international options.
Legal Risks & Penalties
It is important to be aware of the legal consequences of bypassing the official system. Under Article 391 of the UAE Penal Code:
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- Self-Abortion: A woman who intentionally aborts herself using unauthorized medication can face imprisonment and fines.
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- Illegal Distribution: Anyone found selling or distributing abortion pills outside of the hospital framework faces severe criminal prosecution, and expats face deportation.
Safe Alternatives & Support
If you do not meet the legal criteria for a procedure in Dubai, the safest route is to seek care in a jurisdiction where the procedure is legally available without restrictions (such as the UK, India, or certain European nations).
Immediate Medical Help: If you have taken unauthorized pills and are experiencing heavy bleeding, fainting, or severe pain, go to the nearest emergency room immediately. UAE hospitals prioritize “life-saving care,” and medical professionals are bound by patient confidentiality regarding emergency life-saving treatment.
Featured Snippet Summary
Are abortion pills legal in Dubai? As of 2026, abortion pills (mifepristone/misoprostol) are legal in Dubai only when prescribed and administered in authorized hospitals. Access is limited to five conditions: risk to the mother’s life, fetal deformity, rape, incest, or spousal request. All cases must be approved by a medical committee. Buying pills online or through unauthorized sellers remains illegal and carries significant health and legal risks.
Question: Is it legal to buy abortion pills online in Dubai?
Answer: No. Buying abortion pills online or via social media in the UAE is illegal and carries severe criminal penalties. These medications are only legally available inside authorized hospitals following a medical committee’s approval.
Question: What is the 120-day rule in UAE abortion law?
Answer: Under the 2024/2026 updates, legal termination for cases such as fetal deformity or sexual assault must generally be performed within the first 120 days of pregnancy.
Interactive Tools: Check Your Eligibility
Before seeking a medical consultation, use these tools to understand your standing under current UAE law.
1. The “Safety Checklist” for Online Sellers
If a seller meets any of these criteria, they are likely a scammer or a health risk:
1. Is My Case Eligible?
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- Residency: Have you held a UAE residency permit for at least 365 days? (Required for non-emergency cases).
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- Gestational Age: Are you under the 120-day limit? (Required for rape, incest, or deformity cases).
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- Documentation: Do you have a public prosecution report (for rape/incest) or a specialist medical report (for health risks)?
Tool 1: The Eligibility & Legal Framework Quiz
1. Are you currently a resident of the UAE with a valid residency permit?
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- A) Yes, I have held a residency permit for 1 year or more. (Pass)
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- B) Yes, but I have been here for less than 1 year. (Caution: Most facilities require a 1-year residency for non-emergency cases.)
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- C) No, I am here on a tourist/visit visa. (Note: Legal options are extremely limited for non-residents except in life-threatening emergencies.)
2. How many days has it been since your last menstrual period?
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- A) Less than 120 days. (Within the legal window for most cases.)
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- B) More than 120 days. (Legal termination is generally only permitted if the mother’s life is in immediate danger.)
3. Does your situation fall under one of these legally recognized categories?
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- A) A medical professional has confirmed the pregnancy endangers my life.
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- B) Tests show severe fetal malformation (unviable for life).
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- C) The pregnancy is a result of rape or incest (requires a public prosecution report).
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- D) None of the above / Elective reasons. (Elective abortions for social or economic reasons remain illegal in the UAE.)