Monaco's Prince Albert Halts Abortion Law

Prince Albert, the ruler of Monaco, recently made a big decision. He chose not to approve a new law that would have made abortion legal in his small country. This law would have allowed women to end pregnancies up to 12 weeks, or up to 16 weeks in cases of rape. It also aimed to lower the age of parental consent from 18 to 15. Despite the law being supported by a large majority in Monaco's National Council, Prince Albert decided to block it. In a conversation with a local newspaper, Prince Albert explained his reasoning. He believes the current rules reflect Monaco's strong Catholic values while still providing support for women facing difficult pregnancies. He also acknowledged how emotional and sensitive this topic can be. This decision shows that Prince Albert has real power in Monaco, unlike many other monarchs around the world who have mostly symbolic roles. Currently, abortion is illegal in Monaco except in specific cases like rape, serious health risks to the mother, or severe fetal abnormalities. However, in 2019, Monaco took a step forward by decriminalizing abortion, meaning women wouldn't face punishment but would receive help and support. The government stated that this change respects both the rights of women and the value of unborn life, aligning with the country's Catholic principles. Prince Albert's decision highlights the unique political structure of Monaco. The prince shares legislative power with the National Council, but he holds ultimate executive authority. This system is quite different from many other modern monarchies where kings and queens mostly perform ceremonial duties. Prince Albert is one of several Catholic leaders in Europe's royal families. He recently attended the funeral of Pope Francis and met with the new Pope Leo. His decision on abortion reflects the influence of his faith and the traditions of Monaco.