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    Contraceptive pill in the UAE: Everything you need to know

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    Life

    by Olivia Morris
    2 mins ago

    If you’ve had some burning questions about the contraceptive pill in the UAE and the rules surrounding it, we’ve compiled everything you need to know into one easy guide.
    Emirates Woman sought the help of expert Dr Sura Alwan – who is an obstetrician and gynaecologist at Medcare Women & Children Hospital – who has answered all the key questions about the contraceptive pill in the UAE.
    Can you talk us through how accessibility to contraception in the UAE for women has developed over the last few years?
    Contraception has become an essential part of women’s healthcare. It is an important means to prevent unintended pregnancies and to achieve family planning using effective and safe methods. The past decade has seen a notable increase in the use of contraceptives in the UAE.
    These changes have been associated with a reduced number of unintended pregnancies, and more family planning control, especially for working women in all fields. This is also mostly due to the increased awareness in women in the UAE through community awareness campaigns, easy accessibility to medical services, and social media. Also, accessibility to contraception in the UAE for women improved in the last years as some contraceptive options can be available in pharmacies and be taken without a prescription.
    What are the rules surrounding contraception in the UAE?
    If an expat woman is already on contraception, she can check with her gynaecologist and discuss other options according to her situation. However, unmarried women can obtain contraceptive pills in the UAE to help treat conditions like heavy periods, hormonal disturbance or severe acne. She will need a prescription from a doctor first.

    (Above: Dr Sura Alwan) 
    Do I need a prescription to purchase contraceptive pills in the UAE?
    Since 2018, birth control is no longer available over the counter in Dubai pharmacies. It has become increasingly difficult for unmarried women to seek contraceptive options.
    The contraceptive pill I was using in my home country isn’t available in the UAE. Why is this?
    It is advisable to check the type you are using with your gynaecological specialist doctor. Sometimes, the type of contraception you are using is available in UAE but in another brand name. The types of contraception are the same all over the world, but by different companies in different brand names. The doctor can provide you with a prescription for a pill in the same efficacy. Women can double-check if their brand of pill is available by using the search function on the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi website.
    Am I allowed to bring a contraceptive pill into the UAE from my home country?
    Yes, you are able to bring the contraceptive pill from your home country into the UAE. You will not need for the original prescription. If you have any issues or problems with using your pills you can discuss and check with your gynaecologist in the UAE who will also be able to help.
    What brands of the pill are available in the UAE?
    There are over 20 types of birth control and contraceptive pills registered and available to women in the UAE. Some examples below:

    Yasmin

    Diva

    Drospera

    Yaz

    Diane

    Belara

    Marvelon

    Gynera

    Slinda

    Desirett

    Cerazette

    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Karolina Grabowska from Pexels, Images: Supplied More

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      UAE shifts abortion policy: Women gain decision-making authority

      by

      Life

      by Ruman Baig
      1 hour ago

      The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) has taken a significant step towards safeguarding women’s health and well-being in the UAE. The introduction of new guidelines for abortion procedures prioritizes the safety of pregnant women while establishing clear regulations for healthcare facilities.

      The Ministry of Health and Prevention announces the procedures and regulations related to permissible abortion cases pic.twitter.com/3dQm5QdozW
      — UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) June 8, 2024

      Committee Oversight Ensures Responsible Care
      Gone are the days of unilateral decisions. Under the new protocol, a dedicated committee will meticulously evaluate each abortion request. This committee, as reported by Emirates News Agency (WAM), comprises a trio of specialists: an obstetrician-gynecologist, a psychiatrist, and a representative from the Public Prosecution. When necessary, the committee can seek additional expertise from relevant specialists.
      Permissible Cases Prioritize Maternal and Fetal Health
      The Ministry has outlined clear justifications for allowing abortions. Termination of pregnancy is permitted when continuing it poses a direct threat to the mother’s life with no viable alternatives. Additionally, severe fetal malformations that significantly compromise the newborn’s health and survival qualify for abortion, with supporting documentation from a specialized medical committee.
      Important Timeframe and Procedural Requirements
      The guidelines establish a gestational age limit of 120 days for permissible abortions. Notably, women in the UAE can now make this decision independently, without requiring partner consent.
      Furthermore, the new regulations emphasize the importance of safety and proper medical care. The procedure must be conducted solely in healthcare facilities licensed by the relevant health authority. Only a licensed and qualified obstetrician-gynecologist can perform the abortion, ensuring adherence to the highest medical standards and minimizing risks to the woman’s health.
      Focus on Patient Rights and Confidentiality
      The healthcare authority is actively developing a comprehensive policy that outlines the rights and responsibilities of both healthcare facilities and the women seeking abortions. This policy will encompass pre- and post-procedural healthcare requirements, ensuring informed decisions and proper care for women. Additionally, the guidelines prioritize patient privacy, guaranteeing the confidentiality of a woman’s personal information and medical records.
      The health authority will maintain a vigilant watch on licensed facilities, conducting regular monitoring and assessments to ensure their strict adherence to the new regulations. This commitment to oversight fosters a safe and responsible environment for women’s healthcare.These new guidelines represent a positive step towards safeguarding women’s health and reproductive rights in the UAE.The emphasis on safety, committee oversight, and patient privacy establishes a framework for responsible abortion practices that prioritize the well-being of women.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Feature Image: Unsplash  More