In a firm defense of life, and Monaco’s Catholic identity, Prince Albert II has announced that he will not sign into law a bill that sought to dramatically expand access to abortion in the Principality.
Speaking to Monaco-Matin on November 18, during celebrations of Monaco’s National Day, the Sovereign Prince confirmed his refusal to enact legislation passed by the National Council (19–2) last May. The rejected bill would have:
- Legalized abortion on demand up to 12 weeks of pregnancy,
- Extended the limit to 16 weeks in cases of alleged rape,
- Lowered the age for minors to obtain an abortion without parental consent from 18 to 15.
Prince Albert acknowledged the “sensitivity of this issue” but stressed that Monaco’s existing law “respects our identity and the place that the Catholic religion occupies in our country, while simultaneously guaranteeing safe and more humane support” for women in difficult situations.
As a result, Monaco will retain one of Europe’s strongest protections for unborn life. Although abortion was partially decriminalized in 2019, it remains prohibited except in three cases:
- When the mother’s life is in grave danger,
- In cases of rape,
- When the child has severe and incurable fetal malformations.
These exceptions are governed by the 2009 law and although they are not the ideal, which would be full legal protections at every stage in a child’s development, we must acknowledge that in an age of rampant disregard for life, the principality has maintained a commitment to the sanctity of life.
Monaco’s Constitution formally recognizes Catholicism as the state religion, a reality reflected in the daily lives of over 90% of the population who identify as Catholic.
Crucially, the Constitution also grants the Prince the final authority to promulgate laws; without his signature, no bill, however overwhelmingly passed, can take effect.
Prince Albert’s decision is a rare and courageous stand by a European head of state in an era when many nations are expanding access to abortion. For pro-life advocates across the continent, the Prince’s veto serves as a powerful reminder that protecting the unborn remains both possible and principled, even in the 21st century.
Monaco, small in size but great in conviction, continues to shine as a beacon of hope for the culture of life.
