In a 13-12 vote, Liechtenstein’s parliament voted to permit abortion during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. In a separate 13-12 vote, the parliament voted not to permit a public referendum on abortion.
Prince Hans Adam II is the nation’s leader; in 2004, he turned over day-to-day governing power to Hereditary Prince Alois. The crown prince has said he will veto the measure.
“The unborn child possesses an intrinsic and inalienable dignity from the beginning and therefore deserves the same protection afforded to every human life,” said Bishop Benno Elbs, apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Vaduz.
The prelate also called for “a society in which every child is welcomed and every mother and father receive the support they need to make the right decision for their child.” The nation of 41,000 lacks a maternity ward.