Home » Egypt » Egypt – Maternity and Giving Birth

Egypt – Maternity and Giving Birth

Egypt is a country located in North Africa and the Middle East. It has a population of over 100 million people and a rich cultural heritage. The birth rate in Egypt is high, with an average of around 3 children per woman. In this article, we will explore the options for giving birth in Egypt, the process for registering a birth, and the attitudes and legislation surrounding abortion.

Giving Birth in Egypt

In Egypt, most births occur in hospitals. Private hospitals are preferred by many for the facilities they offer, but public hospitals are also an option. Home births are relatively uncommon, and most women opt for a hospital birth. The government has been investing in the healthcare sector in recent years, and many hospitals have modern facilities and trained staff.

Pregnant women in Egypt have access to a range of services, including prenatal care, ultrasound scans, and delivery services. The Ministry of Health and Population oversees the healthcare sector in Egypt, and there are a number of private healthcare providers available as well.

Registering a Birth in Egypt

In Egypt, births must be registered with the government within 30 days of the child’s birth. This is typically done by the father, although the mother or another relative may register the birth if the father is not available. The following are the steps for registering a birth in Egypt:

  1. Obtain a birth notification form from the nearest civil status office. This can be done online as well.
  2. Complete the form, providing all the necessary information about the child and the parents.
  3. Submit the form along with any required documents, such as the parents’ identification papers, marriage certificate, and the child’s hospital birth certificate (if applicable).
  4. Pay the registration fee (if applicable).
  5. Receive the child’s birth certificate.

Attitudes to and Legislation Surrounding Abortion in Egypt

Abortion is illegal in Egypt, except in cases where the mother’s life is at risk. Women who undergo illegal abortions may face imprisonment and fines, as well as medical complications. However, abortion is a controversial issue in Egypt, and some women seek abortions despite the legal risks.

In recent years, there has been a growing movement in Egypt to legalize abortion in certain circumstances, such as cases of rape, fetal abnormalities, or serious health risks to the mother. Some activists argue that the ban on abortion is unconstitutional and violates women’s rights. However, the government has not yet changed the law, and many people in Egypt remain strongly opposed to abortion.


Get Our Best Articles Every Month!

Get our free moving abroad email course AND our top stories in your inbox every month


Unsubscribe any time. We respect your privacy - read our privacy policy.


In Egypt, most births occur in hospitals, with private hospitals being the preferred choice for many. Pregnant women have access to a range of services, and the healthcare sector is improving. Births must be registered with the government within 30 days, and the process is relatively straightforward. Abortion is illegal in Egypt, except in cases where the mother’s life is at risk, and there is a growing movement to legalize abortion in certain circumstances.


Latest Videos

Expat Focus Financial Update February 2024 #expat #expatlife

Expat Focus 28 February 2024 2:53 pm

This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Important: No API Key Entered.

Many features are not available without adding an API Key. Please go to the YouTube Feeds settings page to add an API key after following these instructions.