Liechtenstein Government Receives New Abortion Law Initiative

New Legislative Proposal Submitted

In February 2026, a new legislative proposal advocating for a 'time-limit solution' regarding abortion has been submitted to the government of Liechtenstein. This 'popular initiative' aims to introduce reforms to the country's stringent abortion laws, which are among the most restrictive in Europe. The proposal seeks to legalize abortion within a specified timeframe, reportedly up to 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Liechtenstein's Restrictive Abortion Laws

Currently, abortion in Liechtenstein is largely prohibited under sections 96-98a StGB of the Criminal Code. The procedure is only permitted in very limited exceptional cases, such as when there is a serious risk to the pregnant woman's life or health, or in instances of sexual offenses. While a 2015 reform decriminalized abortion for women seeking the procedure, medical professionals performing abortions within Liechtenstein can still face penalties, including imprisonment for up to three years. Consequently, many women residing in Liechtenstein who wish to terminate a pregnancy often travel to neighboring countries like Switzerland or Austria where abortion laws are more liberal.

Historical Context and Princely Opposition

This is not the first attempt to liberalize abortion laws in the principality. A similar proposal, which sought to legalize abortion within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy or in cases of fetal disability, was put to a referendum in September 2011. Voters ultimately rejected this initiative. A significant factor in the previous outcome was the outspoken opposition of Hereditary Prince Alois, who threatened to exercise his constitutional right to veto any legislation that would relax abortion restrictions. The princely house has consistently maintained its stance against the liberalization of abortion laws, emphasizing the protection of unborn life as a fundamental ethical value.

Path Forward for the Initiative

The newly submitted initiative will now undergo review by the government and parliament. Following this, a period for signature collection will commence. If the required number of signatures is gathered, the proposal will either be decided upon by the parliament or proceed to a popular vote, a referendum. However, even if approved by both the parliament and the populace, the Liechtenstein monarch retains the ultimate right to refuse to sanction the law, potentially exercising a veto as threatened in the past.