Andorra Feminists Rally Again, Doubt Government Abortion Decriminalisation Pledges

Around 50 people gathered at Parc de la Mola in Escaldes-Engordany on Monday to demand both decriminalisation and full legalisation of abortion in Andorra, with public health coverage. Organised by Acció Feminista d’Andorra to mark the International Day for the Decriminalisation of Abortion, the rally highlighted ongoing frustration despite recent Penal Code changes that left article 117—which criminalises the procedure—intact.

Group members questioned the government’s pledges, describing them as empty amid a lack of concrete action. “They had the chance to remove article 117 from the Penal Code now and didn’t, so we don’t believe the government’s words. For now, they’re empty promises,” one activist said, while calling for at least decriminalisation this legislative term and ultimately local services to avoid women travelling abroad. The manifesto stressed that decriminalisation is the bare minimum and positioned abortion as a health issue, underscoring inequalities: “Today, aborting depends on who can take a car, buy a ticket, pay for the procedure, miss work or find someone to accompany them.” It warned that without safe, legal access within Andorra’s health system, women face economic, personal and emotional costs.

Attendees included Isabella Vargas, vice-president of Diversand, who criticised ambiguous messaging, including at international forums like the UN, and demanded quality care. Berta Casal called for administrative support and urged greater public boldness, noting low turnout due to fears of speaking out.

Politicians present comprised Concòrdia’s general councillor Núria Segués, Escaldes-Engordany councillors Magda Mata and Ramon Tena, Institut Andorrà de les Dones president Judith Pallarés, and Partit Socialdemòcrata figures including general councillor Pere Baró, candidate Laia Moliné and leadership hopeful Gerard Alís. Alís recalled his group’s rejected amendment to review article 117 in certain cases, expressing scepticism about progress: “We believe there is no political will and it won’t happen this term.”

The event followed a Sunday 6.30pm gathering at the same location under the slogan “The right to abortion as an anti-fascist pillar”, coordinated with Barcelona feminists. “While abortion remains a crime in Andorra, we will stay in the streets,” the latest manifesto concluded.