Andorra Advances Vatican Talks to Decriminalize Women Seeking Abortions

Government spokesperson Guillem Casal confirmed on Wednesday that talks with the Vatican to exempt women from abortion penalties under Andorra's penal code are ongoing, despite Pope Leo XIV's recent condemnation of the practice.

Speaking after the Council of Ministers, Casal emphasized the government's narrow focus: removing criminal liability for women while retaining sanctions on medical professionals and avoiding broader legalization. "The objective in the debate is not legalization or decriminalization of abortion as such, but exclusively decriminalization of the woman," he stated. He urged approaching the issue with calm, consensus, and discretion to balance women's rights with Andorra's co-principality system. Casal dismissed suggestions of a deadlock, noting steady discreet progress since the October Vatican meeting, and confirmed a parliamentary group—the Grup Parlamentari Socialdemòcrata (GPS)—had sought an update, with a meeting held shortly after.

The pope's comments featured in his New Year's address to diplomats, including Andorra's envoy Carles Álvarez Marfany. He called abortion "deplorable," linking it to euthanasia and surrogacy as assaults on human dignity, and criticized public funding for cross-border procedures rather than support for mothers and families—an apparent reference to Andorra.

Casal's remarks echoed Interior Minister Conxita Marsol's from Monday and Demòcrates per Andorra's stance on January 14, treating the pope's position as longstanding Church doctrine rather than an obstacle. Prime Minister Xavier Espot reiterated Thursday that abortions could never occur in Andorra but defended decriminalizing women who seek them abroad, while keeping territorial sanctions and considering CASS funding options without rushing changes.

On Thursday, GPS members Susanna Vela, Pere Baró, and Laia Moliné met Espot and Relations Minister Ladislau Baró. They demanded accelerated progress, a clear timeline, and a more assertive approach, criticizing past negotiations as insufficient amid broad public calls for reproductive rights. The government reaffirmed its commitment but provided no firm dates. The GPS threatened to introduce its own bill if delays persist, stressing democratic imperatives.

Women's groups remain critical. Acció Feminista president Laia Ferré called the women-only approach inadequate, citing France's co-prince role. Associació de Dones d'Andorra's Maria Geli described the pope's views as regressive. Christian women's group Stella Mons, however, aligned fully with Leo XIV, prioritizing life protection and family support.

Talks originated under Pope Francis with bioethicist Federico Montalvo's report, which proposed decriminalizing doctors and CASS funding for abroad procedures akin to Germany's model. Espot's September 2025 promise for parliamentary submission delayed post-October talks with Espot, Baró, and Álvarez, attributed to technical hurdles. Episcopal Co-Prince Josep-Lluís Serrano's earlier backing for women in distress was omitted from his Christmas message.