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Virtus Rejects Unilateral Abortion Decriminalisation in Andorra

Andorra's Virtus party opposes hasty unilateral efforts to decriminalise abortion, advocating prudent dialogue to harmonise women's rights with the nation's constitutional protections for life and its unique Coprincipat governance.

Key Points

  • Virtus calls for consensus balancing women's rights with 1993 Constitution's right to life (Article 8.1).
  • Warns unilateral abortion moves risk undermining episcopal Co-Prince's authority.
  • Understands women's choices but rejects PS claim that abortion fits Constitution.
  • Cites 13th-century Pariatges as model for negotiation over hasty actions.

Andorra la Vella – Virtus has reiterated its call for dialogue and consensus in addressing abortion regulation, stressing the need to balance women's rights with Andorra's constitutional framework and the Coprincipat's institutional integrity.

In a recent statement, the party warned that unilateral moves could undermine the episcopal Co-Prince's position and jeopardise the coprinces' role as the nation's paramount authority. Virtus underscored that any progress must respect the 1993 Constitution's Article 8.1, which affirms: "The Constitution recognises the right to life and protects it fully in all its phases."

The formation expressed understanding for women's choices in voluntary pregnancy termination but insisted on prudent discussions to reconcile these with core state principles. It rebuffed positions like those from the Social Democratic Party (PS), which has claimed abortion aligns with the Constitution, as overlooking potential institutional fallout.

Virtus advocated a measured approach, drawing on the 13th-century Pariatges as a precedent for resolving crises through negotiation and shared commitments. The party dismissed hasty unilateralism or populism, urging all parties to maintain open channels for agreement that honours the episcopal Co-Prince within the Coprincipat structure.

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