Hereditary Prince Alois of Liechtenstein exercised his veto power this week to block a bill that would have reformed the principality’s restrictive abortion laws, marking the first time he has used this authority during his reign. The legislation had been approved by parliament last month following a citizens’ initiative that gathered over 4,970 signatures—far exceeding the 1,000 required to advance the measure—and represented support from approximately a quarter of eligible voters in the small Alpine nation.
The proposed reforms sought to decriminalize abortion up to 12 weeks of pregnancy, expand health insurance coverage for the procedure, and repeal restrictions on sharing information about abortion access. Current law permits termination only in limited circumstances, such as when a woman’s life is at risk or the pregnancy results from rape. Since 2015, women have been legally permitted to travel abroad to access abortion services, though this option creates significant barriers including travel costs, childcare arrangements, and transportation challenges. An August poll indicated that 62 percent of voters supported changing the law.
The royal house stated that Alois decided to withhold sanction after determining the reform was incompatible with protecting unborn life as a fundamental legal value. Campaign organizers expressed dismay at the decision, noting that the hereditary prince had previously threatened to veto abortion-related legislation in 2011 but had never exercised the veto until now. They characterized the action as troubling given the concentrated power held by Liechtenstein’s monarchy, including the ability to appoint judges and dismiss government officials.
Campaigners highlighted the decision’s broader implications for the principality’s record on rights expansion. Liechtenstein was the last European nation to grant women voting rights in national elections in 1984, and observers worry the veto reinforces a pattern of lagging progress on women’s issues. Alois indicated openness to lifting the ban on abortion information, potentially allowing women to consult healthcare providers about accessing services abroad. Activists expressed concern that the estimated 40 women annually seeking abortion outside the country would face continued stigma and isolation.
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