The Pro-Life Prince and Princess Who Say No to Abortion

You’ve likely never heard of Prince Alois, the heir apparent to the throne of Liechtenstein and the eldest son of Hans-Adam II, the reigning member of the Liechtenstein princely family.

But earlier this week the Hereditary Prince vetoed legislation that would have legalized abortion in his country during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Liechtenstein is located in Central Europe, between Switzerland and Austria. It’s just 62 square miles, meaning it’s roughly the same size as Washington, D.C. The country dates to 1719 and became independent in 1866.

Predominantly Catholic, the Church’s socially conservative teachings have historically influenced the monarchy’s policies, though in recent years its citizens have been pushing to erode or completely erode its biblical foundations.

Back in 2005, a ballot initiative proposed by pro-life conservatives to enshrine protection of life from conception to natural death was soundly defeated by over 80% of voters. Yet a national referendum in 2011 to decriminalize abortion in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy was narrowly defeated.

In September, Liechtenstein’s parliament voted 13-12 to liberalize the country’s abortion law, a move that set up Prince Alois’ courageous veto this past week.

“With the time-limit regulation, the state effectively withdraws from its responsibility to recognize the right to protection of unborn life during that period,” Prince Alois stated. He then added: “On such fundamental issues as the protection of life, a head of state should take a clear stance and also bear responsibility – even if that is the more difficult path.”

When you explore the convictions of the prince and his family, it’s clear why he was willing to pursue the more challenging course.

Prince Alois’ wife, Hereditary Princess Sophie von und zu Liechtenstein, actually founded and currently runs a pro-life organization that provides comprehensive counseling and psychological support for pregnant women and their families at clinics in Liechtenstein, Austria, and Switzerland.

The foundation’s website declares, “No pregnant woman should be forced into an abortion or find herself in any other difficult situation due to unfavorable circumstances. We will support every pregnant woman who comes to us, even long-term if necessary. We will not leave her alone.”

According to reports, more than one-thousand women and their babies are served each year at the foundation’s facilities.

Catherine Robinson with the Right To Life UK called both the Prince and Princess “Royals of Principle” who are demonstrating “courage and compassion.”

In a political climate that tends to punish those who refuse to bend to liberal trends, the prince’s willingness to take a public stand for life is refreshing and inspiring. Prince Alois is receiving sharp criticism for the veto – but he is unapologetic and is standing firm.

Tatjana As’Ad, who led the initiative to legalize abortion, said the prince was out of step, saying, “It’s surreal what’s happening right now in 2026 in a state in the middle of Europe.”

That defending and protecting preborn life is considered irrational, strange or unusual says far more about Europe’s radicalism than it does about the prince. You might say we’ve come full circle back to Christianity’s earliest days in the region when infanticide was acceptable.

It was the apostle Paul who urged early Christians in Rome, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2).  

We applaud Prince Alois’ stand and pray that his refusal to conform to the radical “normalization” of abortion in Europe will serve to inspire others in surrounding areas to do likewise when given the opportunity to protect innocent life.