Abortion in Saudi Arabia: Legal Status, Options and Care

Abortion in Saudi Arabia is largely banned by law, permitted only when

the mother’s life is at risk. Abortion in Saudi Arabia is restricted due to strict religious and

cultural beliefs that prioritize the protection of potential life. Abortion in Saudi Arabia

for personal reasons or fetal impairment is not allowed, and violations of the law can carry severe penalties.

Overall, abortion in Saudi Arabia remains highly controlled and banned in most cases.

Legal Framework

Abortion in Saudi Arabia is only legal under specific circumstances:

• To protect a woman’s life
• For fetal impairment
• To safeguard physical or mental health
• Pregnancy from rape or incest qualifies under the mental health exemption

Key points:

• The fetus must be under four months old; if older, a panel of approved specialists must confirm that the pregnancy threatens the woman’s life or health.
• Consent is required from three physicians, the woman, and her partner.
• Abortions outside these conditions may result in blood money owed to the unborn child’s family.
• Abortion is not permitted for reasons like financial instability or inability to provide education.
• The sale of abortion pills is illegal and may lead to arrest.

According to the US-based Centre for Reproductive Studies, Saudi Arabia’s abortion laws are relatively more permissive than in many other countries across the Middle East and North Africa.

Abortion Services

We provide care for women with unplanned or unwanted pregnancies, offering both medical advice and abortion services.

There are two primary types of abortion:

1. Surgical Abortion (Suction Curettage)

Why choose it?

• Fewer appointments
• Quick procedure
• High effectiveness (98% success)
• Managed bleeding under medical supervision

Procedure: A doctor uses suction to empty the uterus in a clinic or hospital.
Risks & Considerations:

• Small risk of cervical injury or uterine perforation
• Small chance of infection (antibiotics provided)
• Pain management is handled by medical staff
• No effect on future fertility

2. Medical Abortion (Abortion Pills)

Why choose it?

• Suitable in early pregnancy (up to 10 weeks)
• Avoids surgery and anesthesia
• Offers privacy and control
• Can sometimes be done via telehealth

How it works:

• Mifepristone blocks progesterone, causing the uterine lining to shed
• Misoprostol induces contractions to expel the pregnancy

Effectiveness: 95–97%; 3–5% may require surgical follow-up
Risks & Considerations:

• Strong cramps and bleeding
• Slight chance of infection
• Patient must follow care instructions at home
• No impact on future fertility

First-Trimester Abortion Comparison

Feature	Suction Curettage	Medical Abortion
Timing	5–23 weeks	4–10 weeks
Clinic Visits	1–2	2+ (some telehealth)
Procedure Length	3–4 hours	Telehealth 15–30 min; in-person 1–3 hours
Anesthesia	Optional	Not required
Pain	Cramping	Strong cramps, nausea possible
Bleeding	Light for up to 2 weeks	Heavy initially, then period-like for 2 weeks
Support	One person allowed	Recommended at home
Effectiveness	98%	95–97%

Important Notes

• Cytotec (misoprostol) and other abortion pills provide a non-surgical option for early pregnancies.
• Information is educational only and should not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider.
• Always consult a doctor for personalized guidance.

References

• Saudi Arabia’s abortion laws are more forgiving than Alabama’s
• Greater abortion access in Saudi Arabia than in over ten US states after Roe v. Wade repeal

Our blog

Read about Abortion,

Read more about Cytotec