Liechtenstein prince’s ‘surreal’ abortion veto dismays campaigners
Summary
The hereditary prince of Liechtenstein has used his veto power for the first time to block a new law that would have made abortion easier to access. The law was backed by the country’s parliament and a citizens’ initiative, but the prince said the reform conflicted with protecting unborn lives.Key Facts
- Liechtenstein’s prince Alois vetoed a bill to relax abortion laws.
- The bill was supported by about 25% of voters and passed narrowly in parliament.
- Abortion in Liechtenstein is currently only allowed in very limited cases, like risk to the mother’s life or rape.
- Women have been allowed since 2015 to travel abroad, mostly to nearby Austria or Switzerland, to get abortions.
- The bill aimed to allow abortion up to 12 weeks and have it covered by health insurance.
- The prince said the reform did not protect unborn life enough, which he sees as a key legal value.
- Campaigners said the veto shows the prince’s strong power in the country, overshadowing democratic votes.
- The prince can also appoint judges, dismiss ministers, and has veto power over laws.
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