On International Women’s Day, Monaco’s National Council took a bold step, tabling Bill No. 267 to regulate voluntary termination of pregnancy (VTP) in the principality. While a 2019 reform stopped punishing women for getting abortions, it’s still a crime for local doctors to perform them—except in dire medical cases or rape—carrying up to five years in prison and fines. That’s left Monegasque women crossing borders for the procedure, often in a rush and under tough circumstances.
The Council’s elected members are now stepping up with a plan to change that. The bill would allow abortions up to 12 weeks without needing a reason, stretch the limit to 16 weeks for rape victims, set a three-day reflection period, and ensure social organizations cover costs for fair access. It’s not about making abortion routine, they say—it’s about safety and support for those who need it.
Béatrice Fresko-Rolfo, head of the Commission on Family Rights and Equality and the bill’s lead backer, sees it as a lifeline. She argues it gives women control over their bodies with proper care, not a push for more abortions but a shield for those in crisis. Council President Thomas Brezzo wants the debate to stay level-headed, urging respect for all sides when the vote hits the spring session.
If it passes, the government will decide whether to turn it into law and send it back to the Assembly. For now, it’s a proposal that’s stirring Monaco’s quiet streets, balancing choice, protection, and the principality’s conservative roots.
