Andorra to Decriminalise Abortion for Women by 2027, Keep Ban Domestically After Vatican Talks

Andorra's head of government, Xavier Espot Zamora, has stated that talks with the Holy See are at a very advanced stage, with the government aiming to fully decriminalise abortion for women by the end of the current legislative term in March or April 2027—while keeping the procedure banned domestically.

Speaking to ARA in Andorra la Vella and in an AFP interview, Espot said the executive's focus is on decriminalisation rather than legalisation, which he views as a "red line" that could jeopardise the co-principality system. Current penal code provisions carry penalties of up to six months in prison for women and up to three years in jail—plus five years' disqualification—for healthcare professionals involved, though Espot stressed no such trials have ever taken place.

The issue is tied to Andorra's institutional framework, where one co-prince is the Bishop of Urgell, Monsignor Josep-Lluís Serrano Pentinat, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. Espot described the debate as "very delicate" because of its links to Catholic doctrine, noting that restrictive laws stem from this model rather than a more conservative society. He highlighted Andorra's advanced gender equality legislation as evidence to the contrary.

Under the proposed compromise, women could seek abortions abroad without facing legal consequences in Andorra, while the procedure would remain prohibited on home soil. Espot argued this fits with Church teaching, which upholds life protection at all stages but does not require punishing women. "We believe that by the end of the legislature... we will be able to decriminalise, not legalise," he told ARA. To AFP, he added: "If there is no prohibition, the consequence would be legalisation," warning it could undermine the co-principality that has underpinned "centuries of peace, independence, and sovereignty."

The government is pushing for an institutional agreement before the term ends, ahead of Macron's planned visit to Andorra la Vella on 27-28 April. Abortion remains one of Europe's most restricted issues in Andorra, alongside the Vatican, posing a key political test for the Principality.