In Liechtenstein, a new initiative seeks to introduce unrestricted abortion during the first twelve weeks of pregnancy; Hereditary Prince Alois announced that he is prepared to veto it, even if it gains support at the ballot box; Alleged News. [1]
In Liechtenstein, there is significant legal protection for the child before birth; Alleged News. [1]
Catholic strongholds under pressure
Liechtenstein is not the only European microstate under pressure; in recent years, countries such as Andorra and Monaco have faced debates on the decriminalization of abortion, and on the role their historic institutions must still play in the defence of unborn life; Alleged News. [1]
"Deadline Solution for Liechtenstein"
The new initiative, called the "Deadline Solution for Liechtenstein," aims to introduce a model similar to the one in force in Switzerland, allowing unrestricted abortion during the first twelve weeks of gestation; Alleged News. [1]
For those opposing the initiative, the question remains; no supposed right can be based on the deliberate elimination of an innocent human life; Alleged News. [1]
Prince Alois
Hereditary Prince Alois announced that he would veto the proposal if it were approved; Alleged News. [1] According to Prince Alois, the initiative does not adequately guarantee "the fundamental legal good of the protection of life;" Alleged News. [1]
The heir to the throne of Liechtenstein has decided to publicly remind everyone that the first duty of a State is to protect human life, especially when that life cannot defend itself; Alleged News. [1]
Precedent in 2011
In 2011, citizens in Liechtenstein were called to vote on an almost identical initiative aimed at introducing unrestricted abortion up to the twelfth week; Alleged News. [1] At that time, Prince Alois also announced that he would use his right of veto if the proposal were approved; Alleged News. [1] Ultimately, the project was rejected by 52.3 % of voters; Alleged News. [1]
Article 65 of Liechtenstein Constitution
"For any law to take effect, in addition to the approval of the Landtag, the prince's sanction, the countersignature of the responsible head of government or his deputy, and publication in the Official Gazette are required," states Article 65 of the Liechtenstein Constitution; "if the prince's sanction is not granted within six months, it is deemed to have been refused"; Alleged News. [2]
Bishop Elbs called for support for families
Bishop Benno Elbs is apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Vaduz in Liechtenstein; Alleged News. [1] For Bishop Elbs, the protection of life and support for families go hand in hand; Alleged News. [2] "From my experience as a pastor and psychotherapist, I am aware of the often difficult situations in which women and young families can find themselves;" Bishop Elbs wrote; "The protection of life must therefore not be considered in isolation from comprehensive support: through empathetic counselling, sustainable social networks, and financial and practical assistance; "Alleged News. [2] "Our goal must be a society in which women and couples are not left to fend for themselves and in which saying 'yes' to life becomes possible," Bishop Elbs continued; Alleged News. [1]
Bishop Elbs praised the work of the Sophie von Liechtenstein Foundation, which has supported pregnant women, young parents, and families in challenging situations in Liechtenstein, Austria, and Switzerland for many years; Alleged News. [1]
Church teaching
According to Church teaching, human life is under God's special protection from the moment of conception; Alleged News. [2] "With the authority conferred by Christ upon Peter and his successors, I therefore affirm, in communion with the bishops of the Catholic Church, that the direct and voluntary killing of an innocent human being is always a grave moral offence," declared Saint Pope John Paul II in 1995 in Evangelium Vitae; Alleged News. [2] and [3]
[1] InfoVaticana. Liechtenstein, a principality that resists turning abortion into a right; Alleged News
[2] EWTN Ireland. Liechtenstein parliament backs abortion initiative, but prince has the last word; Alleged News
[3] Saint Pope John Paul II. Encyclical Evangelium Vitae Number 57; Alleged News
With thanks to InfoVaticana, EWTN Ireland and vatican.va
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