Stella Mons Calls for Abortion Penalty to Be Removed for Women While Maintaining Legal Protection for Prenatal Life

The Catholic women’s association Stella Mons has set out its position following the announcement by the government of Xavier Espot that it plans to present a reform of Andorra’s abortion legislation in September. 

The organization is calling for any change to the legal framework to combine the protection of women with the protection of prenatal life.

In a statement sent to La Veu Lliure, Stella Mons says it has taken note of the prime minister’s announcement regarding the future introduction of legislation aimed at the decriminalization of abortion. 

While awaiting the details of the proposal, the association says it wishes to express its position with institutional respect and, above all, from a perspective of welcoming and understanding women facing pregnancies in difficult circumstances.

The organization argues that society’s response to such situations “should not be punishment, but support, assistance and protection.” It therefore calls for any reform to remove the penalty currently imposed on women while maintaining effective legal protection for prenatal life.

Stella Mons calls for protection of women and prenatal life

Among its demands, the organization calls for conscientious objection to be guaranteed, as well as protection against any form of coercion.

Stella Mons also wants support for motherhood to be strengthened in financial, social, employment and psychological areas, so that women facing pregnancies in difficult circumstances have access to greater assistance.

The association argues that the debate over the reform should not be limited to the criminal aspect and is calling on the institutions to introduce measures focused on support and protection.

In its statement, Stella Mons argues that “the protection of life and the protection of women are not incompatible objectives, but two inseparable demands of a truly humane society.”

The organization is also calling on the Government and the General Council to promote a calm, plural and transparent debate, including organizations and individuals who defend the right to life at every stage.

Government prepares a more limited reform

Stella Mons’ position comes after Xavier Espot announced that the Executive plans to introduce legislation from September aimed at advancing the decriminalization of abortion, without going as far as legalizing abortion in Andorra.

The head of government has ruled out seeking the consent of the Vatican to move forward with the reform. Espot has argued that there is a “window of opportunity” between the legalization and decriminalization of abortion.

The proposal currently being considered by the Government appears to be more limited than the initial plan. The Executive is reportedly considering primarily removing women from the Criminal Code, without legalizing abortion in Andorra and without, at least for now, including some of the measures initially under consideration.

Those measures included the possibility of women terminating pregnancies at a healthcare facility close to Andorra, with medical support and follow-up from Andorran health services, as well as possible financial assistance from public services for women in vulnerable situations.

While awaiting the specific wording of the reform, Stella Mons has outlined the elements it considers essential: removing the penalty imposed on women, maintaining effective legal protection for prenatal life, guaranteeing conscientious objection and strengthening policies supporting motherhood.

The Government has said it wants the reform to be approved and enter into force during the current parliamentary term. The proposal is expected to be finalized in the coming months before being debated and processed by the General Council.