Andorran Social Democrats Demand Abortion Decriminalisation Timeline

Members of the Grup Parlamentari Socialdemòcrata (GPS), including general councillors Susanna Vela, Pere Baró, and Laia Moliné, met with Head of Government Xavier Espot and Minister of Institutional Relations, Education, and Universities Ladislau Baró Solà to demand faster progress on decriminalising abortion in Andorra.

The meeting followed recent statements by Pope Leo XIV, who reaffirmed the Vatican's opposition to abortion, euthanasia, and surrogacy during an address to diplomats accredited to the Holy See, including Andorra's ambassador Carles Álvarez. The GPS views these remarks as highlighting the urgent need for legislative reform on reproductive rights, approached from a democratic standpoint and respect for fundamental rights.

During the discussions, the government restated its commitment to advancing decriminalisation. In response, the social democrats called for a clear timeline and reasonable deadlines, warning they will not tolerate further delays or vagueness. They criticised past negotiations as insufficiently decisive and ineffective, urging a shift in political approach to address what they describe as a widely shared social demand.

The GPS made clear that if the government fails to honour its pledges, the parliamentary group will itself initiate the necessary legislative measures. The party reaffirmed its staunch defence of women's sexual and reproductive rights, deeming them essential in a democratic and progressive society.

The debate has intensified divisions. The Christian women's association Stella Mons expressed full alignment with the Pope's message, prioritising life protection and family support over policies enabling pregnancy interruption. Women's groups, including the Associació de Dones d’Andorra (ADA) and Acció Feminista, voiced disappointment, with ADA's Maria Geli noting a darker outlook under Leo XIV but insisting on continued advocacy for decriminalisation in at least three cases. They contrasted the Vatican's stance with France's constitutional protection of abortion as a right.

Head of Government Espot, speaking after a General Council session, reiterated that abortions "will never be performed in our country." He supported decriminalising women who terminate pregnancies abroad to protect and support them, without risking institutional crisis in the co-principality. The government aims to amend the Penal Code to avoid prosecuting women while maintaining some penalties for procedures within Andorra, and is open to discussing CASS funding, though changes cannot happen all at once.