Women’s rights groups seek prince’s backing for Liechtenstein abortion law

Women’s rights campaigners will meet Liechtenstein’s Hereditary Prince Alois next week in a bid to secure his signature on a proposed abortion law, ORF reports. Alois has said he plans to veto the measure.

The meeting is planned at the princely house. Campaigner Tatjana As’Ad, from the initiative committee, said the group wanted to discuss legal certainty for those affected, rather than change the prince’s personal position.

Liechtenstein’s parliament voted 13 to 12 in early September to support the initiative, which would allow abortion during the first three months of pregnancy. Alois has the power to block parliamentary decisions and has six months to sign the bill.

The princely house has said the main reason for the planned veto is that time-limit rules do not give sufficient weight to the protection of life. Campaigners also plan a public panel discussion, though it is not yet known whether Alois will accept their invitation.

Since 2015, women have been able to travel abroad for an abortion without facing criminal penalties. Abortion is not permitted within Liechtenstein except in limited circumstances, including when the mother’s life is in danger or in cases of rape.