Key facts
- Liechtenstein's parliament narrowly approved a citizens' initiative to legalise abortion in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
- The initiative also seeks to lift bans on providing abortion information and make the procedure eligible for health insurance.
- The measure passed by a vote of 13 to 12.
- Hereditary Prince Alois, the country's ruler, has indicated he will veto the legislation.
- The proposal was supported by a citizens' initiative that collected 4,970 signatures.
Liechtenstein's parliament has narrowly approved a citizens' initiative to legalise abortion during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, despite the significant threat of a veto from the country's ruler. The initiative, spearheaded by a group of women, also seeks to remove the ban on providing information about abortions and make the procedure eligible for health insurance.
The measure passed by a vote of 13 to 12 in the 25-seat parliament. However, its path to becoming law is uncertain due to Hereditary Prince Alois's previously stated intention to veto such legislation. Supporters of the initiative, who collected 4,970 signatures to bring it before parliament, argue there is widespread backing for legalising abortion.
Despite the parliamentary approval, a separate proposal to put the issue to a public vote was rejected. The strong influence of the Roman Catholic Church, which is opposed to abortion and represents nearly 80% of Liechtenstein's approximately 41,000 residents, poses a significant challenge. A referendum in 2011 on legalising abortion was rejected by 52% of voters, with Hereditary Prince Alois also indicating his opposition at that time.
Currently, abortion in Liechtenstein is permitted only under limited circumstances, such as when a woman's life is at risk or in cases of rape. Violations can lead to prison sentences for both the provider and the woman. Consequently, many women travel to neighbouring Austria and Switzerland for the procedure, though they have been able to do so without penalty since 2015, albeit without health insurance coverage.
Tatjana As'Ad, a 28-year-old from the small left-wing Free List party, led the initiative. While some lawmakers expressed doubts about proceeding due to the monarch's opposition, the Princely House has stated its primary concern is the lack of adequate protection for unborn life in the proposed initiative. Hereditary Prince Alois, who holds extensive powers including dismissing the government and appointing judges, has, however, suggested that modifications to current rules, such as lifting restrictions on public information, could be considered.