The heir to the throne has hardened his stance, despite the parliament's attempts to liberalize, abortion will remain banned in Liechtenstein

Hundreds protested in Vaduz against Crown Prince Alois's veto of a parliamentary decision to lift the abortion ban in Liechtenstein. The ruling house stated that Alois believes the proposed decision system does not adequately protect the fundamental rights related to life before birth. Liechtenstein has strict abortion laws, allowing it only when the mother's life is at risk or in cases of rape. Those performing abortions face up to three years in prison, while mothers who terminate pregnancies without assistance can be imprisoned for up to a year. A 2011 referendum rejected the legalization of abortion, and the recent parliamentary initiative was made possible by gathering the necessary signatures for a law change. An estimated 45 women from Liechtenstein undergo abortions annually in neighboring countries.