A look at the state of reproductive rights in the Middle East

Nour Saadi, a doctor from Syria who works with Women on Web, answers some questions about how the region handles abortion and other pregnancy issues.

Reproductive rights have been threatened everywhere. This week, I intend to look at some other countries and regions to show that the struggle is international. I sent a series of questions to Nour Saadi, a doctor originally from Aleppo in Syria who works with Women on Web, a Dutch pro-choice nonprofit. Here are her answers.

How would you characterize the state of abortion rights in the Middle East?

Of course, everyone knows that in the Middle East, abortion is only permitted in cases where the mother's life is at risk or in the case of severe fetal abnormalities. Exceptions include Tunisia and Turkey, where the laws are more lenient. Religious and social factors play a major role, regardless of whether abortion is allowed there or not.

In some of these countries, like Iran, they have been outright hostile to anyone who pushes for women’s equality. How do the men in power treat abortion rights activists? Are they punished?

In Iran and all other conservative countries, abortion rights activists are treated harshly, subject to surveillance, arrests, and sometimes imprisonment on charges such as harming Islamic values. This is used to silence them and deter others.

What are the general views toward abortion in those countries by both the public and the government?

In most Middle Eastern countries, the public and the government oppose abortion for religious and social reasons, with limited support only in exceptional cases such as saving the mother's life, fetal abnormalities, or sometimes rape. Although there are groups that support abortion, especially the educated and young, the weight of the stigma makes it always difficult.

How has the availability of medication abortion changed the way women end pregnancies? How did they do it before? How are they doing it now?

Before the medication abortion was available, women relied on dangerous and unsafe methods to end pregnancies. Now, thanks to medications like mifepristone and misoprostol, termination of pregnancy is safer and more private, reducing health risks and social stigma.

How many women are dying yearly in the Middle East from complications from illegal abortion?

There is no specific and reliable data on the number of annual deaths resulting from complications of illegal abortion in the Middle East. This is due to cultural and legal restrictions that limit the collection and dissemination of such information. However, Global estimates suggest that unsafe abortion causes between 4.7% and 13.2% of maternal deaths each year. (WHO)

Is abortion medication being smuggled into these countries? Is it being sold underground? Is there any danger to using something that people claim is a mifepristone?

Legalizing abortion and providing the pills (Mifepristone &Misoprostol) in pharmacies prevents women from resorting to the black market, protects women’s health from the possibility of fake drugs, and saves the economy and security all these problems.

What types of reforms do you think these governments need to have to protect reproductive rights for Middle Eastern women?

It takes a long journey of legal, health, and social reforms necessary to protect women’s reproductive rights in the Middle East. These reforms should include reducing legal restrictions, ensuring access to safe medical care, providing comprehensive health services, and working to change social attitudes to reduce the stigma around abortion.

Is there any convergence between religion and antiabortion beliefs as there is in America?

Religion is a major source of social and legal attitudes towards abortion.

What is the international reproductive rights community doing in response to these challenges Middle Eastern women have?

The international community faces significant challenges due to conflicts in some areas as well as cultural and religious resistance and political restrictions. However, through cooperation between organizations such as Women on Web and relevant local organizations interested in improving access to health care through workshops, lectures, and a website that allows women in all local languages (Arabic, Persian, and Turkish) to access the information and desired service.

Is there anything else you want to say about the Middle East and its treatment of abortion or abortion medication?

Despite the great challenges, it is possible to continue improving reproductive rights in the Middle East, with a focus on ensuring women’s health safety and promoting legal awareness through education and legal reforms. The world has become a small village, and we will remain hopeful.