A recent amendment to an existing UAE law has made it easier for
medical professionals to conduct an abortion if the mother's
life is in danger. In the following article, written by litigation
lawyers Hadiel Hussein and Nadine Mukhtar for Khaleej Times outline
how this significant change puts pregnant woman in charge of their
health.
Understanding the Law
Federal Decree-Law No. 4 of 2016 concerning Medical Liability
(the "Law"), as amended in late 2023 by
Federal Decree-Law No. 18 of 2023 (the
"Amendments"), holistically addresses
the liability of medical practitioners
("Practitioners") in the performance of
their duties in the United Arab Emirates, according to applicable
rules and regulations of the medical profession. The Law emphasises
the duties which must strictly be upheld by Practitioners to
protect and strike a balance between the dignity and sanctity of
life, as well as the dignity and autonomy of patients. Amongst some
of the duties required to be
