Liechtenstein Prince Alois Vetoes Abortion Bill

Liechtenstein Hereditary Prince Alois used his veto power to block a bill approved by parliament that aimed to ease the country's strict abortion laws.

Liechtenstein Hereditary Prince Alois, for the first time during his reign, used his veto power to reject a bill aimed at bringing the country's abortion laws into line with European standards. Following a citizens' initiative signed by approximately a quarter of the country's voters and approved by parliament, the bill proposed decriminalizing abortion up to 12 weeks, covering it under health insurance, and lifting the ban on sharing information.

In a country where abortion is legal only when the woman's life is in danger or the pregnancy is the result of rape, campaigners criticizing the decision described it as surreal and a blow to the democratic identity. The royal house confirmed that the prince acted on the belief that the protection of unborn life is a fundamental legal value. Following the veto decision, women will continue to travel to neighboring countries such as Austria and Switzerland to terminate pregnancies.