Prince Albert of Monaco has refused to sign a Bill which would legalise abortion in the principality, in a rare move as the country's sovereign prince. The proposed legislation aims to authorise voluntary termination of a pregnancy up to 12 weeks (or 16 weeks in cases of rape) and reduce the age of parental consent from 18 to 15.

Despite it being passed with a vote of 19 to 2 by the National Council, Prince Albert has refused to sign the Bill into law. Sharing the details behind his decision in comments to local newspaper, Monaco-Matin, Prince Albert said: "I believe the current system expresses who we are, considering the role of the Catholic religion in our country, while ensuring safe and humane support."

Under the current law, abortion in Monaco remains illegal, but it was decriminalised in 2019. Termination of pregnancy is permitted only in three cases: rape, serious risk to the mother’s life, or significant foetal malformation.

The Government said: "This law provides for an appropriate response to the distress of a pregnant woman, who will no longer face punishment but will be listened to and assisted. It will also preserve the fundamental value of an unborn child's right to life and the principles of the state religion."

Prince Albert - who has four children from three different women - went on to say: "I understand how sensitive this subject is, the emotion it can bring up."

He went on to reference legislative updates in 2009 and 2019, pointing out that Monaco had already reached “a balanced framework — one that respects Monaco’s constitutional principles, cultural identity and the women affected.”

The decision has ultimately been shaped to fit with Monaco’s constitution and the Catholic religion, as it notes “the place that the Catholic religion holds in our country”.

Prince Albert is not alone in his decision, as Hans-Adam II, Prince of Liechtenstein, has also made it clear that he would refuse to sign any proposal to legalise abortion in the country.