Liechtenstein prince vetoes abortion liberalisation bill

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 05:32 · Archive

Liechtenstein's hereditary prince has vetoed a bill to legalise abortion in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Hereditary Prince Alois of Liechtenstein has used his veto for the first time in his reign to block a bill that would have legalised abortion during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. The legislation had been approved by Liechtenstein's parliament following a citizens' initiative co-signed by roughly a quarter of the principality's registered voters—about 4,970 people, well above the 1,000 signatures required.

Abortion is currently illegal in Liechtenstein except in limited circumstances: when the pregnancy presents a severe risk to the woman's health or when it results from sexual assault. Women seeking abortions typically travel to clinics in neighbouring Austria or Switzerland. The bill would have decriminalised abortion up to 12 weeks' gestation, ensured it was covered by health insurance, and lifted a ban on providing information about abortion access.

The prince's statement said the bill 'is not suitable for adequately protecting unborn life as a central legal interest'. He had indicated in June that he would veto the proposal on these grounds. Tatjana As'Ad, who led the initiative and works for the leftwing Free List party, expressed disappointment. 'It's surreal what's happening right now in 2026 in a state in the middle of Europe,' she told The Guardian. She said the veto would not prevent abortions but would continue to force women to travel abroad.

Liechtenstein, with about 40,000 people, combines direct democracy through referendums with a monarchy in which the reigning prince retains extensive executive powers. A 2012 referendum confirmed the prince's absolute veto right.

How it is being reported

• Liechtenstein prince’s ‘surreal’ abortion veto dismays campaignersAlois uses the first veto of his reign to quash parliament-approved bill backed by a national petition The hereditary prince of Liechtenstein has used his veto for the first time in his reign to quash a bill aimed at bringing abortion laws in line with much of Europe. The legislation was approved by Liechtenstein’s parliament last month after the presentation of a citizens’ initiative signed by roughly a quarter of the nation’s voters. Continue reading...The Guardian · 23 Oct, 05:00
• Liechtenstein prince vetoes abortion billThe bill was backed by a quarter of registered voters in the Alpine principality, where performing abortions is illegal with limited exceptions.Politico Europe · 21 Oct, 11:43

In this story: Alois · Tatjana As'Ad · Liechtenstein · Free List · Austria · Switzerland

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