Abortion Rights in The MENA Region (Middle East and North Africa)

Abortion rights in the MENA region remain a deeply contested and complex issue, shaped by a confluence of religious doctrines, patriarchal norms, restrictive legal frameworks, and political conservatism. While a few countries like Tunisia have taken progressive steps toward legalizing abortion, the majority impose severe restrictions, often criminalizing the practice and endangering women's health and autonomy. This paper explores the legal, social, and ethical dimensions of abortion across the region, highlighting the impact of religious interpretations, state policies, and grassroots movements. By examining regional variations and comparing them with global trends, the study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reproductive health reforms that respect women’s rights, prioritize public health, and reconcile tradition with modern human rights standards.