// BBC WORLD NEWS — MONDO
Liechtenstein MPs vote to legalise abortion despite threat of veto
The vote went ahead despite the threat of veto from the country's all-powerful ruler
Liechtenstein's parliament has narrowly backed a citizens' initiative to legalise abortion during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
The initiative, led by a group of women, would also lift a nationwide ban on providing information about abortions and make the procedure eligible for health insurance.
It was approved by 13 votes to 12 in the 25-seat parliament. However, it is unlikely to become law as the country's all-powerful ruler, Hereditary Prince Alois, has previously said he will veto the legislation.
Supporters of the bill say there is widespread backing in Liechtenstein to legalise abortion. However, MPs rejected a separate proposal to put the issue to a public vote.
Almost 80% of Liechtenstein's population of about 41,000 people belong to the Roman Catholic Church which is opposed to abortion.
The country last held a referendum on legalising abortion in 2011, when the proposal was rejected by 52% of voters. Hereditary Prince Alois had indicated at the time that he would have opposed the change.
In Liechtenstein, it is allowed only in limited circumstances, including when a woman's life is at risk or a pregnancy is the result of rape.
Anyone who carries out an abortion outside those exceptions can face up to three years in prison, while a woman undergoing the procedure can be jailed for up to a year.
The current restrictions mean women have to go to other countries - mainly neighbouring Austria and Switzerland - to have an abortion. Since 2015, they have been able to do so without facing a penalty, but the cost is not covered by the health insurance.