Vaduz, Liechtenstein — Liechtenstein’s parliament has narrowly voted to approve legislation that would legalize abortion during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, but the measure faces a near-certain veto from Hereditary Prince Alois.The 25-member Landtag passed the bill by a 13-12 margin in early September 2026. Lawmakers also rejected, by the same margin, a proposal to put the issue to a national referendum.

The legislation stems from a popular initiative titled “Fristenlösung für Liechtenstein” (time-limit solution for Liechtenstein). Supporters collected 4,970 signatures — nearly five times the required threshold of 1,000 and representing roughly a quarter of the eligible electorate — to bring the proposal before parliament. The initiative was led in part by members of the Free List party and women’s organizations.

Under the proposed changes, abortion would become non-punishable in the first 12 weeks. The bill would also lift the current nationwide ban on providing information about abortion services and make the procedure eligible for coverage under health insurance.

Liechtenstein currently maintains one of Europe’s strictest abortion laws. The procedure is generally illegal and can carry penalties of up to three years in prison for doctors who perform it. Limited exceptions exist in cases of serious danger to the woman’s life or health, pregnancy resulting from a sexual crime, or when the pregnant person is under 14. Since a 2015 amendment, women who travel abroad for the procedure face no domestic penalty, though costs are not covered by insurance and information about services remains restricted.

Hereditary Prince Alois, who has exercised the powers of head of state since 2004 on behalf of his father, Prince Hans-Adam II, has repeatedly indicated he will not sanction such legislation. In earlier interviews with the newspaper Liechtensteiner Vaterland, he stated that time-limit regulations do not sufficiently uphold “the central legal interest of the protection of life.” Under the constitution, the prince has six months to grant or withhold assent. If he does not approve the law by the deadline (expected around March 2027), it is considered rejected.

Liechtenstein operates as a semi-constitutional monarchy in which the reigning prince holds substantial authority, including the power to veto legislation, dismiss the government, and appoint judges. These powers were expanded in a 2003 constitutional referendum and reaffirmed by voters in 2012. A similar abortion liberalization effort was rejected by voters in a 2011 referendum after the prince signaled he would veto it if it passed.

The Alpine principality has a population of approximately 40,000–42,000 people, the majority of whom are Roman Catholic. Polls conducted earlier in 2026 suggested majority public support for a time-limit model, though the prince’s stance has shaped the political debate.

The bill now awaits formal presentation to the prince for sanction. No official statement on the parliamentary vote has been issued by the princely house at the time of reporting.