As the UAE continues its efforts to update its laws to meet the needs of all its residents, new changes have been made to fertility legislation, including: expanding IVF treatment to the entire world, couples can now use a surrogate mother to carry their baby and egg freezing laws. have moved forward. On the occasion of National Day, we discuss the subject with fertility experts from Nabta Health.
– How transformative are the new changes for the UAE and the region? What are the next steps?
Recent legislative changes in the UAE are transformative for couples seeking fertility treatments in the UAE and for the wider fertility industry in the region. The changes to the law give couples more rights and options in terms of surrogacy and out-of-wedlock IVF, and are expected to lead to increased access to fertility treatments, an expanded range of fertility treatments and increased investment in fertility research and development.
More specifically, the changes to the law in the United Arab Emirates provide:
- Increased access to fertility treatments: The new law gives unmarried, non-Muslim couples access to IVF and other fertility treatments for the first time. Fertility preservation options are extended to individuals and couples who may not be ready to have children at the moment, but want the opportunity to have children in the future.
- Increased investment in fertility research and development: The UAE is a regional leader in fertility research and development. The new law will likely encourage more investment in this area, which could lead to the development of new, more effective fertility treatments.
- Increased popularity of the UAE as a destination for fertility treatments: The UAE is already a major hub for medical tourism in the region. The new law will likely make the UAE an even more attractive destination for couples seeking fertility treatment.
– What are the key points couples in the UAE should know?
Some of the key medical points that all couples in the UAE should know, according to Article 8 of the new decision published in the Official Gazette, are:
- Surrogacy is permitted for married couples who are unable to conceive a child on their own. It is still illegal to use a sperm donor other than the husband, or an egg donor other than the wife.
- The surrogate mother must be a UAE citizen or resident between the ages of 25 and 35. She must have a clean medical history, no criminal record, and be considered physically and mentally capable of carrying the pregnancy to term.
- Unmarried, non-Muslim couples (as well as Muslim and non-Muslim married couples) can now apply for permission from health authorities to use IVF. Eggs and embryos can be stored for up to 5 years, with the possibility of extension upon written request from the parties concerned.
All surrogacy and fertility treatments should be carried out in licensed clinics, with appropriate guidelines in place to ensure safe and ethical practices. The changes to the law aim to protect the rights of both the surrogate mother and the intended parents.
– How might these legislative changes affect the health and well-being of women in the UAE, particularly in terms of reproductive rights and options?
Recent legislative changes in the UAE are closely aligned with its broader societal and economic objectives of strengthening the health and well-being of the population, attracting international talent, fostering a diverse and inclusive society, and promoting gender equality.
By making it easier for women to access surrogacy and fertility treatments, the UAE is becoming a more attractive destination for international talent. Women can enter the workforce with confidence that their health and well-being needs, particularly those related to their reproductive rights and options, will be met. This is important because the UAE is a rapidly growing economy and needs to attract skilled workers from around the world.
By allowing unmarried, non-Muslim couples to access surrogacy and fertility treatments, the UAE recognizes the diverse needs of its equally diverse population.
Finally, by giving women more control over their reproductive futures, the UAE reaffirms its commitment to empowering women, providing more women-centered health and wellness options, and enabling women to fully participate to the society.
– Are there any concrete efforts or plans to overcome societal taboos around IVF or surrogacy?
Will there be awareness campaigns? As of November 11, 2023, and following recent changes to the law in the UAE, detailed plans to overcome societal taboos around IVF and surrogacy have not yet been finalized. These plans are expected to be released soon, but no timetable has been set for their release.
To help overcome societal taboos, changes will be needed across the entire healthcare ecosystem – from the type of coverage and messaging offered by insurers, to the policies and procedures of healthcare providers, to the practices of individual clinics.
Here are examples of ways the ecosystem as a whole will need to adapt:
- Develop a clear understanding of the new law and its requirements. This includes understanding the eligibility criteria for surrogacy and non-marital IVF, the process of obtaining a surrogacy license, and the requirements for surrogacy contracts.
- Develop policies and procedures to support surrogacy and new IVF clients. This includes developing surrogacy screening and selection policies, managing the surrogacy process, and supporting intended parents and surrogates.
- Train staff on the new law and how to support surrogacy and new IVF clients. This includes training staff on the eligibility criteria for surrogacy and non-marital IVF, the surrogacy process, and the legal and ethical considerations involved in surrogacy.
In addition to these specific adaptations, healthcare providers may need to make broader changes to their culture and environment to be more welcoming and supportive of surrogacy and new IVF clients. For example, they may need to develop marketing materials specifically aimed at surrogacy clients and they may need to train their front desk staff on how to handle requests from surrogacy clients.
