Prince Albert II of Monaco refused to legalize early-term abortions
The prince did not approve the reform that provided for abortion up to 12 weeks, maintaining the existing strict restrictions.
```html
Prince Albert II of Monaco announced that he will not approve the bill expanding opportunities for abortions, despite the fact that the document was adopted by the country's National Council back in May by an overwhelming majority of 19 votes to 2.
In an interview with the newspaper Monaco-Matin on November 18, Albert II noted that he understands the "sensitivity and delicacy" of the topic, but believes that the current legislation already reflects the identity of Monaco, considering the significant role of the Catholic tradition in the life of the principality.
According to him, the current legal norm "respects the foundations important for the country" while providing women with necessary protection and humane support.
The bill proposed a significant change to the existing rules: to allow abortions at the woman's request up to the 12th week of pregnancy; to extend the period for abortion in cases of rape to 16 weeks; to lower the age at which minors can have an abortion without parental consent from 18 to 15 years.
The prince's refusal effectively blocks the reform and leaves the legislation unchanged.
In Monaco, abortion remains permitted only in three exceptional cases: rape, serious threat to the mother's life, or severe fetal malformations. In all other situations, termination of pregnancy is still considered a criminal offense.
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that the ECHR was criticized for its decision against Poland on the abortion ban.
```
