Andorra: Government paves the way for partial decriminalization of abortion

Andorra’s government has approved a bill amending Article 117 of the Penal Code to end criminal prosecutions of women who have abortions, including those who travel to France or Spain. Abortion would not become legal in the principality, however: healthcare professionals who perform the procedure there would still face up to three years in prison and a five-year professional ban. Minister Ladislau Baró defended the reform, while feminist groups welcomed the planned end to prosecutions of women but said the measure was insufficient. Parliament is due to consider the bill under an emergency procedure after years of institutional discussions, including with the Holy See.