Liechtenstein prince vetoes abortion law as women plan protest

Liechtenstein’s Hereditary Prince Alois has vetoed a law allowing abortions during the first three months of pregnancy, prompting plans for a demonstration in Vaduz on Saturday. ORF reported that the prince will not sign the measure approved by parliament.

The princely house said Alois believes a time-limit rule would not adequately protect unborn life, which he considers a central legal interest.

Parliament approved the initiative by 13 votes to 12 in early September. It had been backed by nearly 5,000 signatures, almost a quarter of Liechtenstein’s eligible voters; 1,000 signatures were required.

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

The initiative committee, Fristenlösung für Liechtenstein, called the veto “a demonstration of power on the backs of those affected.” It said Alois had shown that the democratic process was irrelevant to him on the issue, and said women were being denied self-determination.

The committee said further actions were planned, including Saturday’s demonstration in Vaduz.