Abortion in Saudi Arabia is tightly regulated. This guide explains in plain language when the law allows it, who must approve it, what is not permitted, and how to get safe medical help in Riyadh and across the Kingdom. It is general information, not legal advice.
Is Abortion Legal in Saudi Arabia?
Generally, no. Abortion in Saudi Arabia is allowed only in limited medical circumstances, mainly when continuing the pregnancy would cause serious harm to the mother’s health or endanger her life. Every case must be assessed and approved by doctors in an authorized hospital.
Saudi rules are based on Islamic law, which gives special importance to the stage of pregnancy. The key time limit is 120 days (about 4 months), when many Islamic scholars hold that ensoulment of the fetus takes place.
When Saudi Law Permits Abortion
| Stage of pregnancy | When abortion may be approved |
|---|---|
| First 40 days | For a legitimate reason or expected, verified harm to the mother |
| Up to 120 days (about 4 months) | When continuing the pregnancy would cause serious, verified harm to the mother’s physical or mental health, as decided by a medical committee |
| After 120 days | Only when continuing the pregnancy would cause the mother’s death, after all other means have been tried |
Even within these limits, abortion is never automatic. Doctors must confirm the medical reason, and the care must take place in an authorized hospital. For what this means at each stage of pregnancy, see our guide to abortion pill names.
Who Must Approve an Abortion
Medical committee
At least three doctors, consultants or specialists, including a specialist in the condition that makes the pregnancy dangerous.
Husband’s consent
Spousal consent is required under Saudi rules.
Minors
A parent or guardian must give consent for anyone under 18.
The committee reviews medical reports, scans and test results before making a decision. Keep copies of your records, as they may be requested.
What Is Not Permitted
- Abortion on request or for personal, social or financial reasons
- Abortion after 120 days unless the mother’s life is in danger
- Abortion outside an authorized hospital, or without medical committee approval
- Buying or selling abortion pills outside licensed medical care
Severe fetal abnormalities
Religious rulings in Saudi Arabia have allowed abortion before 120 days when doctors confirm a severe, untreatable abnormality. This is not listed as a separate ground in the health regulations summarized by the World Health Organization, so each case is decided by doctors and committees. If a scan shows a serious problem, ask your doctor directly about your options.
What Happens Outside the Legal System
Doctors and others who carry out an illegal abortion can face criminal liability. Abortion medicines are regulated by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), and selling medicines outside the legal supply chain is a serious offence.
Pills sold on WhatsApp, Instagram or websites are not only illegal but often unsafe. Many are fake, the wrong medicine or the wrong amount. Learn the warning signs in our guide to fake abortion pills, and why any price offered online is a red flag in our guide to abortion pill cost.
Emergency Care Is Always Available
If you are bleeding heavily, in severe pain, have a fever or feel faint during pregnancy, go to the nearest emergency department. Hospitals treat miscarriage and pregnancy complications, and your health comes first.
Get emergency care now if you have:
- Bleeding that soaks two or more large pads an hour for two hours in a row
- Severe pain, especially on one side of the lower abdomen
- Fever above 38°C, fainting or a fast heartbeat
Abortion in Riyadh: Where to Start
If you live in Riyadh and are worried about a pregnancy and your health, these are the safe first steps:
- See a doctor at a Ministry of Health hospital or licensed private hospital. A doctor can confirm how far along you are and check for an ectopic pregnancy.
- Share your full medical history, including any condition that pregnancy could make worse.
- Ask about the process if your doctor believes the pregnancy is a serious risk. The hospital will explain whether a medical committee review is needed.
- Call the MOH helpline on 937 for advice on where to go.
For the medical background, read our complete guide to abortion pills in Saudi Arabia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is abortion legal in Saudi Arabia?
Abortion is generally illegal in Saudi Arabia. It is allowed only in limited medical circumstances, mainly when continuing the pregnancy would seriously harm the mother’s health or endanger her life, and only with approval from doctors in an authorized hospital.
Up to how many weeks is abortion allowed in Saudi Arabia?
For serious, verified harm to the mother, abortion may be approved up to 120 days (about 4 months) of pregnancy. After 120 days it is permitted only if continuing the pregnancy would cause the mother’s death and all other means have been tried.
Who has to approve an abortion in Saudi Arabia?
For abortions before 4 months based on health risk, a medical committee of at least three doctors, consultants or specialists must decide, including a specialist in the condition involved. The husband’s consent is also required, and a parent or guardian must consent for a minor.
Can I get an abortion in Riyadh?
Only if your situation meets the legal medical grounds and is approved through an authorized hospital. Start by speaking to a doctor at a Ministry of Health hospital or licensed hospital, or call the MOH helpline on 937 for guidance.
Is it legal to buy abortion pills online in Saudi Arabia?
No. Abortion medicines are regulated by the SFDA and are only used through authorized medical care. Pills sold online or through WhatsApp are outside the legal supply chain, and many are fake.
References
- WHO Global Abortion Policies Database: Saudi Arabia
- Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University: Women’s Health in Saudi Arabia
- BMJ Global Health (2026): Reproductive health policy in Saudi Arabia
- BMC Medical Ethics: Termination of pregnancy for fetal anomalies in Islam
Disclaimer: This page is for general education only. It is not legal or medical advice, and rules may change. Confirm your situation with a licensed doctor and the hospital’s legal or patient services team. Read how we review content in our medical review policy and editorial policy. If you have severe symptoms, seek emergency care immediately.