Liechtenstein MPs vote to legalise abortion despite threat of veto
Summary
Liechtenstein's parliament voted 13-12 to legalize abortion during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy and to allow health insurance to cover the procedure. However, the country's ruler, Hereditary Prince Alois, has threatened to veto the law, making it unlikely to come into effect.Key Facts
- The vote was based on a citizens' initiative led by women to change existing strict abortion laws.
- Abortion is currently only allowed in Liechtenstein when the woman's life is at risk or the pregnancy is from rape.
- Abortion outside these cases can lead to jail times for both the provider and the woman involved.
- About 80% of Liechtenstein's 41,000 people are Roman Catholic, and the Church opposes abortion.
- The last referendum in 2011 rejected legalizing abortion by a small margin.
- Hereditary Prince Alois has the power to veto laws and has said he opposes this abortion legalization.
- Women currently travel to nearby countries for abortions, but these procedures are not covered by Liechtenstein health insurance.
- The proposed 12-week limit on abortion matches rules in many European countries.
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