Liechtenstein prince’s ‘surreal’ abortion veto dismays campaigners
Liechtenstein Hereditary Prince Alois has blocked a parliament-approved bill that would have legalised abortion during the first three months of pregnancy. The legislation was advanced after a citizens initiative collected signatures from roughly a quarter of the nation voters. Campaigners expressed dismay at the decision, which marks the first time the prince has used his veto power during his reign. Protesters subsequently marched through Vaduz to the princely castle. Liechtenstein maintains some of the strictest abortion laws in Europe, where terminating a pregnancy remains largely criminalised under the principality penal code.
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- ✓ Hereditary Prince Alois used his veto for the first time in his reign to quash an abortion bill.
- ✓ The legislation was approved by Liechtenstein parliament following a citizens initiative signed by about a quarter of voters.
- ✓ The blocked bill would have permitted abortion on demand up until the end of the third month of pregnancy.
- ✓ Demonstrators marched through Vaduz to the prince castle to protest the strict abortion rules.
What changed
Hereditary Prince Alois used his veto for the first time in his reign to quash the abortion bill.
Live updates
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Liechtenstein Prince Vetoes Abortion Bill
Liechtenstein Hereditary Prince Alois has blocked a parliament-approved bill that would have legalised abortion during the first three months of pregnancy. The legislation was advanced after a citizens initiative collected signatures from roughly a quarter of the nation voters. Campaigners expressed dismay at the decision, which marks the first time the prince has used his veto power during his reign. Protesters subsequently marched through Vaduz to the princely castle. Liechtenstein maintains some of the strictest abortion laws in Europe, where terminating a pregnancy remains largely criminalised under the principality penal code.
Why it matters
Liechtenstein operates under a constitutional monarchy where the ruling prince holds significant veto power over legislation approved by parliament. The veto halts efforts to bring the nation abortion policies in line with the rest of Europe. The royal family has instead emphasized support systems for mothers and babies through initiatives like the Sophie von Liechtenstein Foundation.
What is confirmed
- Hereditary Prince Alois used his veto for the first time in his reign to quash an abortion bill.
- The legislation was approved by Liechtenstein parliament following a citizens initiative signed by about a quarter of voters.
- The blocked bill would have permitted abortion on demand up until the end of the third month of pregnancy.
- Demonstrators marched through Vaduz to the prince castle to protest the strict abortion rules.
What to watch next
- Further protests or political fallout in Vaduz regarding the royal veto.
- Potential legislative or civic responses from parliament members who backed the bill.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (11)
- www.theguardian.com — AI godfather Geoffrey Hinton: ‘We’re creating alien beings. I’m willing to be selfish and choose humans’ | Donald Trump
- The Guardian — Liechtenstein prince’s ‘surreal’ abortion veto dismays campaigners
- The Catholic Herald — Liechtenstein’s Prince Alois blocks bill to legalise abortion
- Right To Life UK — Liechtenstein prince vetoes radical abortion on demand Bill, calling for more support for pregnant mothers and their babies
- blue News — Liechtenstein: Hereditary Prince Alois Vetoes the Deadline Solution
- politico.eu — Liechtenstein prince vetoes abortion bill
- www.theguardian.com — Liechtenstein prince’s ‘surreal’ abortion veto dismays ...
- article.wn.com — Liechtenstein prince’s ‘surreal’ abortion veto dismays ...
- righttolife.org.uk — Press release - Liechtenstein prince vetoes radical abortion ...
- abortion-news.info — Liechtenstein prince’s ‘surreal’ abortion veto dismays ...
- www.yahoo.com — Prince's veto sparks fury over abortion in Liechtenstein - Yahoo
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