Andorran PM Espot to Propose Voluntary Abortion Decriminalisation in September

Andorran Head of Government Xavier Espot has confirmed that the executive will present a proposal in September to advance the decriminalisation of abortion, with changes aimed at entering into force before the current legislative term ends.

Speaking on Thursday during the presentation of regulations for a potential referendum on an EU association agreement, Espot said the government is in the final stages of dialogue with the Holy See and analysis of the available scope for legislative reform. He described a recent meeting with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin as "very fruitful," which has clarified the executive's room to manoeuvre.

Espot stressed that decisions on voluntary pregnancy interruption fall under the competencies of the General Council and government. While the Holy See need not give explicit approval for any penal code reform, discussions have been essential to define limits without risking Andorra's co-principality system or institutional framework. "What we cannot expect is explicit consent from the Holy See on any of the options we put forward," he noted, adding that such endorsement would also undermine national sovereignty.

The Head of Government identified a "window of opportunity" between full legalisation—which he ruled out as crossing red lines—and mere decriminalisation. He now feels greater conviction that the measure, intended to expand women's rights, can proceed safely. "The government now has things quite clear" to finalise the text, Espot said, with plans to table it in parliament by late September.

This follows a complex process marked by shifts. Under Pope Francis, talks explored broader decriminalisation for women and healthcare providers, plus potential CASS coverage for procedures abroad, leading to an initial target of late 2025. The transition to Pope Leo XIV cooled progress; after Espot's October 2025 meeting with Parolin, the focus narrowed to decriminalising only the woman. Recent contacts, including Espot's meeting with Leo XIV during the Pope's Barcelona visit, have revived momentum without needing Vatican endorsement.

Concòrdia MP Núria Segués voiced caution, describing her party as "expectant." She highlighted repeated government announcements over the term that failed to yield substantive change, and withheld further comment until the proposal emerges.

No specifics on the proposal's content have been released.