Liechtenstein parliament backs easing of abortion ban

Liechtenstein’s parliament has narrowly backed an initiative to allow abortions during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, ORF reported. The 25-member Landtag approved the measure by 13 votes on Wednesday evening, but Hereditary Prince Alois has announced that he plans to veto it.

Abortions are currently generally prohibited in Liechtenstein, with limited exceptions including danger to the pregnant woman’s life or pregnancy resulting from rape. Since 2015, women have been able to travel abroad for an abortion without facing criminal penalties. Abortions have also been carried out in Vorarlberg, but Liechtenstein’s health insurer does not cover the costs.

The initiative would permit abortions during the first three months of pregnancy and require the health insurer to cover the costs.

The decision followed a divisive debate over the protection of unborn life and women’s right to self-determination. The Landtag also voted 13 to 12 against voluntarily putting the initiative to a referendum. A referendum would only have been mandatory if parliament had rejected the initiative.

The Princely House now has the final say. Alois can block parliamentary decisions and has said he intends to use that power, arguing that a time-limit system would not adequately protect unborn life.

He has indicated that changes to the current law could nevertheless be considered, including lifting the ban on public information about abortions and clarifying the existing legal provisions.

The initiative received almost 5,000 signatures, compared with the 1,000 required. The signatures represented nearly a quarter of Liechtenstein’s eligible voters.