Liechtenstein abortion legalisation vetoed by prince

Liechtenstein's prince regent, Hereditary Prince Alois, has vetoed legislation that would have legalised abortion in the first three months of pregnancy, weeks after parliament narrowly approved it.

The princely house said Alois would not assent to the measure because he believed a time-limit-based system was not suitable for protecting unborn life as a fundamental legal right. It said he supported developing the existing 2015 law, including by lifting a ban on advertising and improving information, guidance and support for women.

Abortion is illegal in Liechtenstein except in specific circumstances, including when the mother's life is at risk or when a pregnancy resulted from rape. Anyone carrying out an abortion outside those exceptions can face up to three years in prison, while a woman undergoing the procedure can face up to one year.

The proposal came from a citizens' initiative that gathered 4,970 signatures, nearly five times the 1,000 required. Liechtenstein's 25-seat Landtag approved it on Sept. 2 by 13 votes to 12. Campaigners then had 30 days to secure a referendum on the parliamentary decision, but none was initiated.

The Time Limit for Liechtenstein campaign called a demonstration in the capital Vaduz for Saturday and accused the hereditary prince of disregarding the signatures and parliament's vote.