Pregnancy Termination Rules in Saudi Arabia is governed by strict medical, legal, cultural, and religious regulations. It is not freely permitted and is allowed only under specific, documented circumstances. Understanding these rules is essential for women, families, and healthcare providers throughout the Kingdom.
Understanding Pregnancy Termination Rules in Saudi Arabia
Saudi law permits medical termination only in cases where strong medical or humanitarian reasons exist.
Approved legal grounds:
✔ Risk to the mother’s life
Termination may be allowed if continuing the pregnancy:
- Endangers her life
- Causes severe, irreversible health complications
- Worsens a dangerous medical condition
✔ Severe fetal abnormalities
Termination may be approved if:
- The fetus has a serious, confirmed malformation
- Survival after birth is considered impossible or extremely unlikely
- A medical committee reviews and approves the evidence
✔ Documented cases of rape or incest
In rare cases, termination may be allowed if:
- The case is officially reported to authorities
- Evidence is verified
- A medical board gives approval
- The procedure occurs before the legal time limit
2. Legal Time Limit for Termination
Saudi Arabia follows a strict timeline:
- Before 120 days (≈ 17 weeks):
Termination may be considered only when valid medical or humanitarian reasons exist. - After 120 days:
Termination is allowed only if the mother’s life is in immediate danger and no other treatment can save her.
This limit is based on national medical and religious guidelines.
3. Required Approvals
A legal pregnancy termination must be reviewed and approved by:
✔ A team of licensed physicians
Usually two or more consultants must agree that termination is medically necessary.
✔ Hospital medical committee
Many hospitals require committee-level authorization before the procedure.
✔ Religious advisory approval (in some cases)
For complex cases, hospitals may request guidance from approved religious authorities.
No individual doctor can authorize termination alone.
4. Availability of Medical Termination Procedures
In Saudi Arabia:
- Medical termination is performed strictly in hospitals
- Only authorized physicians may conduct it
- Certain medications (such as misoprostol for miscarriage care) can only be used under supervision
- No pharmacy or private seller is allowed to provide medication for pregnancy termination
Any medication used for pregnancy-related treatment must be given inside a licensed medical facility after committee approval.
5. Restrictions on Self-Medication or Unsupervised Termination
Performing termination without legal approval is prohibited and unsafe.
Risks include:
- Severe bleeding
- Infection
- Uterine injury
- Emergency surgery
- Life-threatening complications
Legal consequences may include:
- Criminal investigation
- Fines
- Jail time
- Deportation for expatriates
- Loss of medical license for providers involved
The laws apply equally across Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Makkah, Madinah, and all regions.
6. Options for Women Facing Unplanned Pregnancy
Women who are uncertain or emotionally distressed can seek:
✔ Consultation with an OB-GYN
Doctors can evaluate whether any medical risk exists.
✔ Hospital counseling
Many hospitals have social workers who provide confidential support.
✔ Mental health services
To help women deal with stress, anxiety, or emotional pressure.
Seeking legal and medical support is always safer than attempting unsafe or self-managed options.
Summary: Pregnancy Termination Rules in KSA
- Only allowed for serious medical or humanitarian reasons
- Must occur before 120 days, except to save the mother’s life
- Requires approval from doctors + hospital committee
- No access to termination medication outside hospitals
- Self-managed termination is illegal and dangerous