Andorran Women's Institute Slams Partial Abortion Reform as Impasse Continues

Judit Pallarés, general secretary of the Andorran Women's Institute (IAD), has criticised the ongoing impasse over abortion reform, insisting that decriminalising women would leave the core prohibition intact.

In comments published on 2 February 2026, Pallarés noted that the IAD is not privy to direct updates on negotiations between the government and the Holy See. She stressed that public institutions must protect citizens' rights, but was firm that removing penalties for women from the penal code "would change nothing". "It means the ban stays in place," she said.

The IAD will continue pushing for full decriminalisation of pregnancy interruption, aligning with international recommendations. "That's our current position, but we'll keep demanding the same," Pallarés added. She expressed disappointment over recent papal statements, saying they had deflated earlier optimism despite an unchanged broader context. The Church's stance remains consistent, she observed, urging the government and General Council to press ahead regardless.

Her remarks echo calls from Acció Feminista and the Andorran Women's Association, both advocating guaranteed access to abortion rights beyond mere decriminalisation for women—a step the government has already ruled out.

Recent progress includes exploring ways to approve women's decriminalisation without the episcopal co-prince's signature, as highlighted by Enric Vives. Pallarés sensed momentum building beforehand, but acknowledged the challenges persist.