Andorra's PS Escalates Abortion Decriminalization Push, Slams DA Government Stalling

The Social Democratic Party (PS) has escalated its push for abortion decriminalization, holding a dedicated press conference Thursday to outline its proposals and criticize the DA-led government for stalling amid stalled Vatican talks.

PS leadership candidate Gerard Alís and organization secretary Maria Nazzaro accused the executive and parliamentary majority of lacking political will, using institutional stability as a pretext to avoid debate. Alís described the government's stance as "self-blackmail," rejecting claims of a potential constitutional crisis as a false pretext. He stressed that Andorra's institutions serve the people in a mature democracy, not the reverse, and clarified his remarks targeted the government and majority, not the Episcopal Co-Prince. Alís called Vatican negotiations a "political error," arguing Andorra should legislate domestically first, as the constitution offers "mechanisms" for laws to advance even without full co-prince approval—such as proceeding with one co-prince's endorsement. He noted the heads of state's opposing positions and suggested institutions could evolve if needed, given Andorra's history from a county and co-principality.

Nazzaro emphasized comprehensive sexual and reproductive rights legislation, including education, contraception, pregnancy support, and dignified maternity options. She questioned current resources for women opting for motherhood and insisted decisions belong to women alone, not the state, courts, or religions. Both highlighted that women terminating pregnancies remain criminals under current law, often forced to travel abroad—a rights violation, not mere logistics.

Earlier Thursday, PS General Councillors Susanna Vela and Laia Moliné detailed their Penal Code amendment: immediate decriminalization for women and health professionals, free access up to 14 weeks gestation (extendable to 22 weeks in certain cases), with full CASS reimbursement. This responds to over a decade of UN CEDAW recommendations.

Opposition parties PS and Concòrdia submitted Penal Code amendments this spring, sharing core goals of 14-week free access and CASS coverage despite tactical differences. PS favors direct action; Concòrdia, led by Cerni Escalé and Núria Segués, proposed a "blank amendment" to preserve Vatican dialogue. Both fault DA—PS for "hypocrisy," Concòrdia for "slow reflexes."

In response, Minister for Institutional Relations Ladislau Baró questioned whether PS's firm stance would shape any pre-electoral coalition program with Concòrdia. He reiterated the government's commitment to decriminalizing abortion for women only if assured it poses no risk to the constitutional order.

Government talks with the Holy See, initially promised last year and later for summer, remain blocked by constitutional concerns. The issue dominates the election campaign, with parliamentary pressure mounting but no breakthrough in sight.