World News
Liechtenstein lawmakers approve abortion legalization despite royal veto threat
Parliament narrowly backed a citizens' initiative allowing abortion up to 12 weeks, though Hereditary Prince Alois maintains veto authority.
The short version
- Liechtenstein's parliament voted 13-12 to approve a citizens' initiative legalizing abortion within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
- The measure would also remove information bans and include the procedure under standard health insurance coverage.
- The reform is unlikely to take effect because Hereditary Prince Alois, holding monarchical veto powers, has previously stated he will block it.
Key facts
- The 25-seat parliament passed the citizens' initiative by a 13-12 vote, while rejecting a proposal to submit the issue to a public referendum.[BBC News]
- Under the approved initiative, abortion would be legal up to 12 weeks, public information bans would end, and the procedure would be covered by health insurance.[BBC News]
- Hereditary Prince Alois, who possesses constitutional power to veto legislation, has stated he will veto the measure due to concerns about insufficient protection for unborn life.[BBC News]
- Liechtenstein currently permits abortion only in cases of rape or when a woman's life is at risk, leading residents to travel abroad to Austria or Switzerland for care.[BBC News]
- The initiative, spearheaded by Tatjana As'Ad of the Free List party, qualified for parliament after gathering 4,970 signatures.[BBC News]
What remains uncertain
- It remains unconfirmed whether Hereditary Prince Alois will immediately issue a formal veto or instead pursue narrower compromises, such as lifting information bans.[BBC News]