Abortion in Saudi Arabia

Abortion in Saudi Arabia is generally illegal with only a very narrow exception.[1] An abortion is only legal if the abortion will save the woman's life or if the pregnancy gravely endangers the woman's physical or mental health.[2][3] The fetus must be less than four months old, and if longer, requires a panel of approved specialists to declare that the pregnancy will result in the death of the woman.[1] Any approved abortion requires consent from three physicians as well as the patient and her husband or guardian.[2] If an abortion is performed on a woman for any other reason, the violator may be required to pay blood money to the unborn child's family.[2] Laws explicitly deny abortion to families who fear financial instability or an inability to provide the child with education.[2] The selling of pills which are used for the process of abortion is illegal and has resulted in arrest. [4]