Prince Alois Vetoes Liechtenstein Abortion Decriminalization Bill

Hereditary Prince Alois of Liechtenstein exercised his veto for the first time in his reign to block a bill that would have decriminalized abortion up to 12 weeks. The legislation had been narrowly approved by parliament following a citizens' initiative signed by approximately a quarter of the nation's voters.

The proposed reform sought to provide health insurance coverage for the procedure and repeal a nationwide ban on sharing information about abortion access. The royal house stated that the prince believes the reform is incompatible with the "protection of unborn life as a fundamental legal value." While the veto maintains some of Europe's strictest abortion laws, Prince Alois indicated he is open to lifting the ban on providing information about accessing the procedure abroad.

Campaigners described the decision as a blow to the country's democratic principles. Tatjana As’Ad, who led the citizens' initiative, noted that the veto ensures abortions will continue to take place abroad, as women currently travel to Austria or Switzerland to obtain the procedure.