#Liechtenstein – Liechtenstein’s parliament narrowly approved a citizens’ initiative to legalize abortion in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy this week, despite a clear warning from Hereditary Prince Alois that he would block the change.
The 25-seat Landtag voted 13-12 on September 2 in favor of the measure, which also sought to lift a nationwide ban on providing information about abortion and to make the procedure eligible for health-insurance coverage. Lawmakers then rejected, by the same margin, a proposal to put the issue to a public referendum.
The bill originated in a popular initiative titled “Fristenlösung für Liechtenstein.” Organizers collected 4,970 signatures—nearly five times the 1,000 required and the equivalent of about a quarter of the electorate. Supporters argued the existing rules forced women to travel to neighboring Switzerland or Austria, often at personal expense and under tight time limits, while a ban on information left many without guidance.
Under Liechtenstein law at the time, abortion remained illegal except in limited cases: when a woman’s life or health faced serious danger that could not otherwise be averted, or when the pregnancy resulted from a sexual offense. Doctors who performed abortions outside those exceptions faced up to three years in prison. A 2015 change had already removed criminal penalties for women who obtained abortions abroad, but it did not cover costs or allow doctors in Liechtenstein to discuss options.
Prince Alois, who has exercised the powers of head of state since 2004 on behalf of his father, Prince Hans-Adam II, had announced months earlier that he would veto a 12-week model. He said such a law would mean the state withdrawing from its responsibility to protect unborn life. The constitution required the prince’s sanction for any bill to take effect; if he did not act within six months, the measure would be considered rejected.
The prince’s stance carried unusual weight. Unlike most European monarchs, Alois holds real authority, including the power to veto legislation, dismiss the government, and appoint judges. He had threatened a veto only once before—in 2011, when a similar initiative went to referendum and voters rejected it 52.3 percent to 47.7 percent. A later vote on the prince’s own powers passed with more than 76 percent support after the princely family indicated they might leave the country if those powers were curtailed.
Liechtenstein, a predominantly Catholic principality of about 41,000 people, had long maintained one of Europe’s most anti-abortion regime. Polls circulating during the campaign suggested majority public support for liberalization, though the prince’s opposition made passage into law unlikely. He indicated he might accept more limited adjustments, such as easing the information ban, but he did not signal willingness to accept the core change.
Without the prince’s signature, expected no later than March 2027, the law could not take effect. Women seeking to terminate their pregnancy and kill their unborn children remains illegal in this small nation.
Cover Image: The Liechtenstein Landtag parliament building.
