Liechtenstein MPs vote to legalise abortion despite threat of veto

Liechtenstein’s parliament has narrowly endorsed a citizens’ initiative to legalise abortion during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. The proposal, spearheaded by a radical group of women, would also eliminate a nationwide ban on providing information about abortions and make the procedure eligible for coverage under the national health insurance scheme. The measure passed by a margin of 13 votes to 12 in the 25‑seat legislature. Despite the vote, enactment appears unlikely because Hereditary Prince Alois, the country’s de facto ruler, has previously stated he will veto the legislation. Supporters argue that there is broad public backing for liberalising abortion law in Liechtenstein. Nevertheless, lawmakers rejected a separate motion that would have referred the question to a national referendum. Approximately 80 % of Liechtenstein’s population of roughly 41,000 residents identify as Roman Catholic, a denomination that opposes abortion. A prior referendum on the issue held in 2011 saw the proposal defeated by 52 % of voters; at that time Prince Alois signalled his opposition to any change. Currently, abortion is permitted in Liechtenstein only under narrowly defined circumstances, such as when a woman’s life is endangered or the pregnancy results from rape. Performing an abortion outside these exceptions carries a penalty of up to three years’ imprisonment, while a woman who undergoes the procedure may face a sentence of up to one year. Because of these restrictions, many women travel to neighbouring Austria or Switzerland to obtain abortions. Since 2015 they have done so without risking criminal prosecution, although the procedure is not reimbursed by health insurance. The initiative to amend the law was launched by 28‑year‑old Tatjana As'Ad of the small left‑wing Free List party. Her backers gathered 4,970 signatures—about five times the number required to bring the proposal before parliament. The suggested 12‑week limit mirrors the standard in many European nations. In England, Scotland and Wales, abortion is legally available up to 23 weeks and six days under most conditions.