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Quick answer

Abortion on request is not permitted in Saudi Arabia. It is allowed only in narrow, medically supervised situations under the Law of Practicing Healthcare Professions, its Implementing Regulations, and a decision of the Council of Senior Scholars. A medical committee is often involved, and medicines for an abortion may not be dispensed outside the legal framework.

Introduction

If you are asking whether abortion is legal in Saudi Arabia, you are probably dealing with a stressful situation. The rules are specific, and a lot of the information online is wrong or copied from other countries. This guide explains the law in plain language so you know what applies and where to get safe care.

For our full overview, read our main guide on abortion in Saudi Arabia.

Which Saudi Laws Cover Abortion?

Abortion in Saudi Arabia is mainly governed by three sources:

• The Law of Practicing Healthcare Professions, issued by the Ministry of Health
• The Implementing Regulations of that law
• A decision of the Council of Senior Scholars (No. 140, 1407H), which the regulations refer to

Together they set out when a healthcare practitioner may and may not perform an abortion.

What Does Article 13 Say?

Article 13 says a health practitioner may not perform an abortion on a pregnant woman except in limited cases:

• To save her life: when the abortion is necessary to save the woman's life, including in emergencies.
• Before four months of pregnancy: when it is conclusively established that continuing the pregnancy would seriously harm her health, and a medical committee has made that decision under the Implementing Regulations.

In simple terms, the law allows abortion for serious medical reasons, not as a personal choice.

What Do the Implementing Regulations Add?

The regulations give more detail about the limits:

• Abortion is not permitted at any stage without a legitimate justification, and only within very strict limits.
• In the first 40 days, it may be permitted only for a legitimate interest or to remove an expected harm.
• It is not permitted because of fear of hardship in raising children, fear of being unable to afford their living or education, or for permanent birth control.
• After four months, abortion is not permitted unless a committee of specialists determines that continuing the pregnancy endangers the woman's life.
• Where abortion is recommended, the patient and her husband or guardian must be informed.

Can Abortion Pills Be Sold in Saudi Arabia?

No, not outside the legal framework. The regulations state that abortion drugs may not be dispensed, or their dispensing facilitated, for an abortion that is not legally permitted. This applies to pharmacies and other health practitioners.

Medicines sold online, on social media, or by private sellers are not regulated. They may be fake, expired, or incorrectly dosed, and buying them can create legal and health risks. Read more in our guide to abortion pills in Riyadh and the risks of unlicensed sellers.

What Are the Penalties?

Healthcare practitioners who perform an abortion outside these conditions can face penalties under the Law. Providing or selling abortion medicines outside the legal framework can also lead to legal consequences. The exact outcome depends on the facts of each case, so a licensed Saudi legal professional is the right person to ask.

Why Medical Assessment Comes First

Whatever your situation, a licensed doctor should assess you before any pregnancy-related decision. An assessment can:

• Confirm that you are pregnant and how far along you are
• Rule out an ectopic pregnancy, which is a medical emergency (see our guide to ectopic pregnancy warning signs)
• Review your health history and any risks
• Explain which rules apply to your case
• Arrange follow-up care

Warning Signs That Need Urgent Care

Go to the nearest emergency department or call an ambulance (997) if you have very heavy bleeding, severe or one-sided abdominal pain, fainting, severe dizziness, fever or chills, or signs of infection. The Ministry of Health call center (937) can advise where to go.

Where to Find Support

An unplanned or difficult pregnancy can bring stress, fear, and sadness. You do not have to deal with it alone. Speak with a licensed doctor, and consider a trusted family member or friend. For the full picture of rules and safe next steps, see our main guide on abortion in Saudi Arabia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is abortion legal in Saudi Arabia?
Abortion on request is not permitted. It is allowed only to save the woman's life, or before four months when a medical committee finds that continuing the pregnancy would seriously harm her health.

Is abortion allowed for financial reasons?
No. The regulations state that fear of being unable to afford children's living or education is not a valid reason.

Are abortion pills legal in Saudi Arabia?
Abortion medicines may not be dispensed for an abortion that is not legally permitted. Buying them from unlicensed sellers is risky.

Who decides if an abortion is allowed?
A medical committee or a committee of specialists, depending on the stage of pregnancy and the reason.

Where can I read the official law?
The Ministry of Health publishes the Law of Practicing Healthcare Professions and its Implementing Regulations on its website.

Disclaimer: This article is a plain-language summary for general information, not legal or medical advice. Rules can change and apply differently to each case. Confirm with a licensed Saudi healthcare or legal professional. Last reviewed: [add date]. Reviewed by: [add reviewer name/credentials].