Andorra eyes summer abortion decriminalisation bill amid Vatican talks

**Andorran government targets summer submission of abortion decriminalisation bill amid Vatican talks and parliamentary push**

The Andorran government intends to submit a bill decriminalising abortion to the General Council before summer, Minister for Institutional Relations Ladislau Baró told parliament this week. Responding to Social Democrat (PS) leader Susanna Vela, Baró said the schedule hinges on negotiations with the Holy See, prioritising "the balance between institutions and women's rights".

The comments came during a session addressing remarks by UN ambassador Ferran Costa on Andorra's healthcare referrals abroad. Foreign Affairs Minister Imma Tor backed Costa, explaining his statement covered a specific scenario without linking abortion to routine care. Vela cited a 2019 UN CEDAW intervention by then-delegate Canòlic Mingorance—now a European Court of Human Rights judge—where she noted CASS funding for overseas abortions. Tor confirmed corrections were sent at the time.

Opposition parties are pressing ahead regardless. Vela said PS will introduce an amendment to remove women from the Penal Code if the government delays, calling it a sovereign duty rather than seeking Vatican permission. "We will put women's decriminalisation on the table in the Council," she stated, stressing non-consensual cases remain punishable and criticising reliance on Holy See approval. She suggested a veto could prompt wider institutional debate, though she expects progress.

Concòrdia leader Cerni Escalé called for extending decriminalisation to doctors, noting no women have faced charges. "What is key is decriminalisation for the doctor," he argued, to allow medical referrals. Head of Government Xavier Espot described it as a "pending issue" the executive is addressing "discreetly and calmly", while highlighting gender equality gains over the past decade. Democrats leader Jordi Jordana said solutions must fit the Constitution, which balances women's rights and the right to life.

The debate coincided with Constitution Day events. French Co-Prince Emmanuel Macron's message urged advancing "the fight for women's rights—all their rights" under the Constitution, without explicit abortion reference. Espot welcomed it as encouragement to proceed within institutional bounds. Vela saw it as affirming constitutional flexibility for decriminalisation.

Civil group Stop Violències remains doubtful. President Vanessa Mendoza labelled the timeline a stall, predicting postponement past elections due to Episcopal Co-Prince opposition. "They are dragging it out," she said, citing distrust since 2019 and ongoing support for women via international networks. She pointed to reproductive disparities, including assisted reproduction access.

The bill ties into broader Penal Code updates on online prostitution, UN anti-corruption rules and digital child offences, creating a reform window. Vela urged civil society input to drive rights forward.