Liechtenstein's parliament has voted by a narrow margin to legalise abortion during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, backing a citizens' initiative that would also lift a ban on providing information about abortions and make the procedure eligible for health insurance. However, the law is unlikely to come into effect as the country's all-powerful ruler, Hereditary Prince Alois, has previously indicated he will veto the legislation.
The initiative, led by a group of women including 28-year-old Tatjana As'Ad of the small left-wing Free List party, was approved by 13 votes to 12 in the 25-seat parliament. Supporters collected 4,970 signatures — nearly five times the threshold needed to bring the proposal before parliament.
Under current law, abortion is allowed only in limited circumstances, including when a woman's life is at risk or a pregnancy is the result of rape. Anyone who carries out an abortion outside those exceptions can face up to three years in prison, while a woman undergoing the procedure can be jailed for up to a year. Since 2015, women have been able to travel to other countries — mainly neighbouring Austria and Switzerland — for an abortion without facing a penalty, but the cost is not covered by health insurance.
The proposed change would legalise abortion during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, lift the ban on providing information about abortions, and make the procedure eligible for health insurance. Supporters say there is widespread backing in Liechtenstein for legalising abortion, though MPs rejected a separate proposal to put the issue to a public vote.
Almost 80% of Liechtenstein's population of about 41,000 people belong to the Roman Catholic Church, which is opposed to abortion. The country last held a referendum on legalising abortion in 2011, when the proposal was rejected by 52% of voters. Abortion is legal in most EU countries.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The vote highlights the tension between democratic parliamentary decisions and the constitutional powers of Liechtenstein's monarchy, where the prince holds a veto over legislation.
- If the veto is exercised, it could reignite debate about the role of the monarchy in a modern European state and push for constitutional reform.
- The outcome affects the reproductive rights of women in one of Europe's smallest and most Catholic countries, forcing many to continue seeking care abroad.
Background
Liechtenstein is a small principality between Switzerland and Austria, with a population of around 41,000. It is a constitutional monarchy, but the prince retains significant political powers, including the ability to veto laws passed by parliament. About 80% of the population is Roman Catholic. Abortion has been highly restricted in the country, with only narrow exceptions. A 2011 referendum on legalising abortion failed, with 52% voting against. The current push comes from a citizens' initiative led by women's rights advocates who collected nearly 5,000 signatures.
Key Perspectives
Supporters of the initiative: Argue there is widespread public backing for legalising abortion and that current laws force women to travel abroad, often at their own expense. The initiative would align Liechtenstein with most EU countries on reproductive rights.
Hereditary Prince Alois: Has indicated he will veto the legislation, maintaining the conservative stance he took during the 2011 referendum. He holds the constitutional authority to block laws.
Critics/Skeptics: The Catholic Church and conservative groups oppose legalisation on moral and religious grounds. Some may also argue that the narrow parliamentary vote does not reflect a clear popular mandate, especially since MPs rejected a public referendum.
What to Watch
- Whether Hereditary Prince Alois formally exercises his veto and what legal or political challenges could follow.
- Public reaction in Liechtenstein, including possible protests or calls for constitutional reform limiting the prince's veto power.
- Any move by supporters to force a referendum on the issue, despite parliament's rejection of that path.