Women’s Reproductive Health Concerns in the United Arab Emirates

Women’s reproductive health is a major determinant of a nation’s health and the health of its future generations. Studies have shown that women’s health is a central feature of human development, as a mother’s health has intergenerational impact on the health and well-being of her children. Greater attention is needed to understand the interplay of biological and social determinants in women’s health to ensure that women are provided with comprehensive, quality healthcare tailored to their needs. This is especially true for women’s reproductive health, as women suffer from diseases that lead to lifelong pain, infertility, abnormal menstrual bleeding, and a lower quality of life. Enhancing and reframing the narrative around reproductive health should be an urgent priority to not only lead to effective preventative strategies and care, but also to empower women to lead their healthiest life possible. This policy paper identifies women’s reproductive health problems in the United Arab Emirates, and offers a number of recommendations related to providing an effective reproductive health policy to increase awareness, treat reproductive symptoms, and prevent diseases that may otherwise negatively impact women’s daily health activities and their chances of motherhood.