Prince Albert II is blocking a bill to legalize abortion in Monaco.
The 67-year-old royal has refused to sign legislation into law in the principality after the National Council voted to pass it, using a rare power as sovereign prince.
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According to The Catholic Herald, the law would have authorized voluntary termination of a pregnancy up to 12 weeks, or 16 in cases of rape, and it would reduce the age of parental consent from 18 to 15.
The National Council voted to pass the legislation 19 to 2 back in May, but the Prince refused to sign the bill.
“I believe the current system expresses who we are, considering the role of the Catholic religion in our country, while ensuring safe and humane support,” the Prince said to the Monaco-Matin newspaper, via The Catholic Herald. “I understand how sensitive this subject is, the emotion it can bring up.”
Prince Albert also noted legislative updates in 2009 and 2019, where Monaco already reached “a balanced framework — one that respects Monaco’s constitutional principles, cultural identity and the women affected.”
He points that the decision comes in light of the Monaco constitution, where Catholicism is recognized as the state religion, confirming “The place that the Catholic religion holds in our country.”
Per France24, abortion was decriminalized in 2019 if the woman goes outside of the principality, but it still remains illegal, with the exception of rape cases, serious fetal deformity or if there is serious risk of the mother.