From POLITICO · · 1m 10s
Liechtenstein prince blocks abortion bill
Hereditary Prince Alois vetoes a citizens' initiative that would have legalized abortion in the first 12 weeks, using his absolute veto power for the first time.
In brief
Hereditary Prince Alois vetoes a citizens' initiative that would have legalized abortion in the first 12 weeks, using his absolute veto power for the first time. Liechtenstein's Hereditary Prince Alois vetoed an abortion bill passed by parliament and backed by a quarter of voters, blocking the first use of his…
Prince blocks abortion bill
Liechtenstein's Hereditary Prince Alois vetoed a bill on Tuesday that would have legalized abortion during the first twelve weeks of pregnancy, blocking a citizens' initiative co-signed by a quarter of voters.
Current abortion restrictions
Performing an abortion is currently illegal in Liechtenstein unless the pregnancy presents a severe risk to the pregnant woman's health or results from sexual assault.
Prince's reasoning for veto
The princely house stated the bill is not suitable for adequately protecting unborn life as a central legal interest. Alois had already indicated in June he would veto the proposal on these grounds.
“is not suitable for adequately protecting unborn life as a central legal interest”
Campaigners' disappointment
Tatjana As'Ad, a campaigner for the Fristenlösung initiative, told POLITICO the decision was fixed in June with no way to change it.
“We're disappointed, but not really surprised”
The big picture
Liechtenstein's Hereditary Prince Alois vetoed an abortion bill passed by parliament and backed by a quarter of voters, blocking the first use of his absolute veto right.
