Women in the UAE have access to various reproductive and sexual healthcare services, regulated under strict legal frameworks to ensure safety and compliance with cultural norms. This guide provides an in-depth look at digital services available, maternity and pediatric care provisions, laws governing medically assisted reproduction, and abortion regulations in the UAE. Whether you are a resident or a healthcare professional, understanding these regulations can help you make informed decisions.
Key Healthcare Services for Women
Women in the UAE can access a range of digital healthcare services, including reproductive and sexual healthcare. Below are some of the primary services available:
- Pre-pregnancy Care: Support and guidance before conception to ensure maternal and fetal health.
- Antenatal Care: Regular check-ups and monitoring during pregnancy.
- Postnatal Care: Medical attention following childbirth to promote recovery.
- Breastfeeding Counseling: Support for new mothers in breastfeeding practices.
- Maternity and Pediatric Care: Comprehensive care for expectant mothers and children.
Required Documents for Maternity Services
To access maternity services, expectant mothers must open a file at a registered maternity hospital before the seventh month of pregnancy. The following documents are required:
- Passports of both parents
- Attested and translated marriage certificate (if not in Arabic)
- Residence visas of both expectant parents
- Emirates ID of both expectant parents
- Insurance card
- Family book (for UAE nationals)
Choosing a Hospital for Delivery
Deliveries can take place at either public or private hospitals, with costs varying based on factors such as:
- Insurance coverage
- Package grade (economy, luxury, etc.)
- Room type
- Type of delivery (normal or caesarean)
- Additional medical treatments
The newborn will carry the citizenship of the father.
Legal Framework for Medically Assisted Reproduction
Federal Law No. 7 of 2019 governs the use of Medically Assisted Reproduction Techniques (ART) in the UAE. This law outlines the conditions under which ART may be applied and prohibits certain practices to uphold ethical standards.
- ART is permitted when natural conception is not possible for at least one year.
- A specialist physician must certify that the procedure does not pose health risks to the woman or fetus.
- Written consent from the husband is mandatory, with a detailed explanation of costs and success rates.
Prohibited Practices
The law strictly forbids:
- Fertilization using sperm or ova from donors other than the married couple.
- Implanting fertilized ova into a woman other than the wife.
- Genetic modification of embryos.
- Commercial use of unfertilized or fertilized ova and sperm.
Permitted Practices
- Fertilizing a sufficient number of eggs for multiple implantations.
- Preserving frozen fertilized ova and sperm for up to five years, with possible extensions.
Abortion Regulations in the UAE
Abortion is generally illegal in the UAE unless:
- The pregnancy endangers the woman’s life.
- The fetus has fatal deformities and will not survive. In such cases, abortion must occur before 120 days of pregnancy.
Access to Healthcare Facilities
Women can find healthcare facilities through:
- Emirates Health Services (EHS)
- Abu Dhabi Health Services (Seha)
- Dubai Health Authority (DHA)
- Ras Al Khaimah Government Portal
For further information, contact the Ministry of Health and Prevention.
