AndorraAndorra to Decriminalize Abortion
The Government of Andorra plans to bring a text to decriminalize women who have an abortion before the Consell General this October. The reform will decriminalize women, but doctors and healthcare professionals will remain subject to the current penal regime.
Global Newsflix 2 min read
The head of Government, Xavier Espot, said decriminalization will be a reality before the end of the legislative term and it is very likely the proposal could be presented this month.
The reform is the result of years of discreet negotiations with the Holy See, which began in 2019. The talks aimed to find a formula that would allow progress on the reform without affecting the country's institutional system.
Andorra's unique structure, with one of its two heads of State being the bishop of Urgell, Monsignor Josep-Lluís Serrano Pentinat, has made it difficult to reform abortion laws. However, negotiations with Rome have opened a path to modify the Penal Code.
A broader formula was proposed in 2025, which included the decriminalization of healthcare professionals and possible participation of the CASS in certain expenses related to abortion. However, the proposal stalled due to the change of pontificate in the Vatican.
The current reform will be more limited, decriminalizing only women who have an abortion, while doctors and healthcare professionals will remain subject to the current penal regime. Abortion will continue to be illegal in Andorra.
The Government's negotiations with the Holy See have been ongoing, with the aim of finding a solution that respects the country's institutional system. The reform is expected to be presented to the Consell General this October.
Key facts
- The Government of Andorra plans to decriminalize women who have an abortion.
- The reform will not decriminalize doctors and healthcare professionals.
- Abortion will continue to be illegal in Andorra.
- The reform is the result of years of negotiations with the Holy See.
Three perspectives
Neutral
The decriminalization of abortion in Andorra is a significant step forward, but the reform's limitations may be seen as insufficient by some. The outcome of the Consell General's vote on the proposal will be closely watched. The reform's impact on the country's institutional system remains to be seen.
Positive
The decriminalization of abortion in Andorra is a major victory for women's rights, and the Government's efforts to find a solution that respects the country's institutional system are commendable. The reform will provide relief to women who have been criminalized for having an abortion.
Negative
The reform's limitations, particularly the continued criminalization of doctors and healthcare professionals, may be seen as a setback for abortion rights in Andorra. The fact that abortion will continue to be illegal in the country may also be viewed as insufficient progress.
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