The Faculty of Law at Tishk International University College of Nursing at Hawler Medical University, in collaboration with the College of Nursing at Hawler Medical University, organized a multidisciplinary workshop entitled

“Pregnancy Resulting from Rape: Balancing the Safety of the Victim and the Protection of the Fetus”

The workshop was held on 5 February 2026 in the Seminar Hall of the College of Nursing, with the participation of a distinguished group of academics and professionals from the fields of nursing, midwifery, law, and mental health.

The workshop sessions were delivered by:

  • Dr. Kastro Salem – Lecturer, Department of Law, Tishk International University
  • Asmaa Yassin – Research Assistant, College of Nursing, Hawler Medical University
  • Jwan Fares – Research Assistant, College of Nursing, Hawler Medical University
  • Pekhal Othman – Master’s Student, College of Nursing, Hawler Medical University

The workshop aimed to promote an evidence-based academic and ethical dialogue on one of the most sensitive and complex issues in reproductive and public health. This was achieved through examining pregnancy resulting from sexual violence from integrated medical, legal, ethical, psychological, and human rights perspectives, with particular attention to the specific context of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

The role of the College of Law at Tishk International University was highlighted through an in-depth discussion of the legal framework governing abortion-related issues, women’s rights, and the legal obligations associated with the protection of the fetus. The sessions also clarified the legal responsibilities of medical and legal professionals when addressing such cases, in a manner that balances victim protection with respect for legal provisions and human rights standards.

The scientific sessions further addressed the medical and nursing implications of pregnancy resulting from rape, the professional role of midwives, and the psychological dimensions of sexual violence, emphasizing the importance of trauma-informed mental health care. The workshop concluded with an open discussion and a multidisciplinary panel that encouraged critical thinking and constructive academic exchange among participants.

Overall, the workshop emphasized the priority of protecting the dignity, safety, and well-being of survivors while carefully considering the ethical and legal responsibilities related to fetal protection, and the necessity of providing humane, non-judgmental, rights-based, and ethically grounded care.

This academic activity reflects the commitment of Hawler Medical University and Tishk International University—particularly the Colleges of Nursing and Law—to strengthening multidisciplinary collaboration, building professional capacity, and addressing complex health and societal issues through academic dialogue and interdisciplinary integration.

Alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
This workshop aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals, in particular:

  • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
  • SDG 5: Gender Equality
  • SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

This alignment is achieved through supporting victims’ rights, strengthening legal and ethical frameworks, and developing fair and humane institutional responses to sexual violence.

Keywords: Good Health and Well-being , Gender Equality, Fetus.