That's why in Liechtenstein hundreds of women are taking to the streets against the Crown Prince.

Abortion remains prohibited in the Principality of Liechtenstein after Crown Prince Alois exercised his veto power against a parliamentary decision to legalize the procedure during the first three months of pregnancy. The prince’s representative rejected the legislative measure, maintaining that a time-limit solution fails to adequately protect unborn life as a central legal interest. This action effectively blocks a popular initiative that had gathered nearly 5000 signatures, representing almost one quarter of all eligible voters in the small principality. Only 1000 signatures were required for the proposal to proceed to parliament. The Liechtenstein parliament voted narrowly in favor of the so-called time-limit solution initiative in early September, with 13 members supporting the measure against 12 opposing votes. Simultaneously, the legislature refused to submit the question to a mandatory public referendum. Under local rules, a national vote would have been compulsory only if the parliament had rejected the initiative outright. By approving the text but refusing a popular vote, the lawmakers left the final decision to the head of state. Crown Prince Alois, who acts as the deputy of the ruling Prince, had announced months earlier that he intended to use his veto rights regarding this specific issue. Following the rejection, the initiative committee known as Time Limit Solution for Liechtenstein condemned the move as a display of power at the expense of affected individuals. A statement from the group argued that the prince demonstrated the democratic process was irrelevant in this matter, sending a signal that strikes at the core of Liechtenstein’s self-understanding. Committee members criticized the use of state authority to enforce moral convictions, stating that women were being denied self-determination. They also directed criticism at the parliament for blocking a direct vote by the people. One member described the situation as ugly to many citizens and indicated that various actions were planned to express anger over the abortion ban. Protests took place on Saturday in the capital city of Vaduz. Approximately 250 participants responded to the committee’s call to arrive angry and numerous. Demonstrators gathered at Peter Kaiser Square before marching toward Vaduz Castle, the residence of the princely family. Police secured the perimeter around the castle. Protesters carried placards bearing messages such as “My body, my decision” and comparisons between Liechtenstein and Afghanistan. Other signs expressed disappointment with the crown prince, noting that while demonstrators were not angry, they were deeply let down. Participants chanted slogans demanding a time-limit solution instead of a princely solution and asserting that democracy must apply to everyone, not just be determined by a single ruler. According to the Liechtenstein state police, the demonstration proceeded peacefully without incidents. The initiative committee noted that abortions are already performed, albeit abroad, since 2015 allowed Liechtenstein women to travel outside the country for the procedure without facing criminal prosecution. The prince’s office stated that while he opposes the current legislative approach, he sees possibilities for easing existing regulations. Specifically, he supports efforts to improve information, guidance, and support for women before, during, and after pregnancy. He also stands open to lifting the advertising ban related to abortion services. The prince will not sanction the parliamentary law, leaving the status quo intact until further political developments occur.