Liechtenstein Parliament approves abortion initiative amid threat of princely veto

The Liechtenstein Parliament has narrowly approved a citizens' initiative to legalize abortion up to the 12th week of pregnancy. The measure passed with a 13 to 12 vote, though the parliament subsequently rejected a proposal to hold a public referendum on the matter by an equal margin.

The initiative, which gathered nearly 5,000 signatures, seeks to decriminalize abortion, remove bans on providing information about the procedure, and allow health insurance to cover costs. Under current laws, doctors performing abortions can face up to three years in prison, with exceptions only for risks to the woman's life or health, sexual crimes, or pregnancies in girls under 14.

Despite the parliamentary approval, the law faces a significant hurdle: the mandatory sanction of Hereditary Prince Alois. The Prince has indicated he would likely veto the legislation, citing the “central legal interest of protecting life.” He has six months to sign the law; if he does not, the proposal will be considered rejected. In response, the initiative committee has invited the Prince and political party leaders to discussions to seek implementation.