Elected officials in Liechtenstein have approved a new law that would allow abortions during the first three months of pregnancy, a significant shift from the country's current strict stance on the issue. The decision comes after a citizen initiative was put forward to change the existing laws, which currently ban abortion except in exceptional cases such as when the mother's life is at risk or in cases of severe fetal abnormalities. Under the new law, women would have the right to terminate pregnancies within the first trimester, a move that has sparked considerable debate within the small Alpine nation. Hereditary Prince Alois, who is the head of state and holds a constitutional veto power, has publicly opposed the measure. While the law has been approved by the government, it still needs to be signed by Alois to become official. His opposition highlights the tension between the elected officials and the country's traditional leadership, which has historically maintained conservative policies on social issues. Currently, abortion is a criminal offense in Liechtenstein, with penalties including imprisonment for those who undergo or assist in an abortion. The new law would decriminalize the procedure for the first three months of pregnancy, aligning Liechtenstein more closely with neighboring European countries that have more liberal abortion laws. This change reflects growing public support for reproductive rights in the principality. The approval of the law follows a failed referendum on the same issue in 2011, when voters rejected a similar proposal. This latest development suggests a shift in public opinion over the past decade. However, the final decision still rests with Hereditary Prince Alois, who has the power to veto the law, potentially delaying or blocking its implementation. The situation underscores the complex interplay between democratic processes and the constitutional role of the monarchy in Liechtenstein.