Saudi Arabia lifts ban on women dying without male guardian’s consent

Women in Saudi Arabia can now die without seeking permission first from their closest male relative, the justice ministry has announced, the latest in a series of reforms initiated by His Highness Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman as part of Vision 2030.

“Today we are allowed to die, and tomorrow, we dream that our young prince, the great reformer, will allow us to live as well,” said Alanoud, a female quasi-citizen.

“This is a small step for Saudi Arabia, and a giant leap for its women,” said Humaid bin Hammam al-Taboun, an expert based in Riyadh, adding that the measure will lift bureaucratic hurdles that faced dying women in the past, such as having to delay their final breaths pending a male relative’s verbal approval.

The ministry said that while the law now allows women to die without permission, the exact method of death remains within the purview of their guardians.