Slovenia legalizes assisted dying with new law

On Friday (18 July), Slovenia’s National Assembly passed the Act on Assisted Voluntary Ending of Life with 50 votes in favor, 34 against, and three abstentions.

The legislation grants adults capable of making their own decisions the right to end their lives voluntarily if they are enduring unbearable suffering due to a serious, incurable illness or permanent health impairment.

Opponents of the law, led by MP Aleš Primc, have criticized it as unjust and inhumane, and they are actively collecting signatures to initiate a referendum to challenge the decision.

Australia, Canada, the Netherlands and Belgium are among the countries to permit assisted dying, as well as some U.S. states. Last month, Britain’s parliament voted to legalise assisted dying, although the bill must still clear the upper chamber of parliament.

Key provisions of the law

The law stipulates that all treatment options must be exhausted before a patient can pursue assisted dying. It applies only when treatment offers no reasonable expectation of recovery or improvement. Notably, the right does not extend to cases of unbearable suffering caused by mental illness.

The process begins when a patient submits a request to their doctor. If the patient reaffirms their decision in a follow-up consultation, the doctor forwards the application, along with their assessment of the patient’s eligibility, to the Commission for Assisted Voluntary End of Life. The patient independently administers the lethal injection, choosing from available methods for delivering the active substance.

The law also specifies that the medical certificate of death will list the underlying serious illness or health impairment as the cause of death, not assisted suicide.

Rejected amendments and public health concerns

An amendment to the National Health Service, which would have required death certificates and reports to list assisted suicide as the direct cause of death, was rejected. The National Health Service warned that without this change, mortality statistics could be skewed, potentially misrepresenting the effectiveness of treatments for various diseases and health conditions.

A referendum-inspired law

The legislation follows a 2024 consultative referendum, where 54.89% of voters supported the need for a law regulating assisted dying, while 45.11% opposed it. The law was initially proposed by the Srebrna nit association and later refined by coalition MPs, incorporating feedback from medical professionals and the public. Notably, the revised law excludes euthanasia, addressing concerns raised by the medical community.

Role of doctors and safeguards

Svoboda MP Tereza Novak, representing the bill’s proponents, emphasized that doctors no longer directly perform the procedure but provide advisory support. She highlighted the law’s robust safeguards, asserting that it aligns with international medical ethics by prioritizing patient treatment, suffering relief, and respect for individual dignity and wishes. Novak also argued that the law is constitutionally sound.

The Left Party celebrated the law’s passage as a fulfillment of their commitment to regulate assisted dying for those with incurable, chronic conditions. Nataša Sukič of the Left described it as a step toward recognizing individual dignity, autonomy, human rights, freedom, and compassion. The party emphasized that the multi-stage process is patient-initiated, with healthcare professionals retaining the right to conscientious objection. Strict safeguards ensure that the procedure is not performed if there is any doubt about the patient’s free will, external pressures, or decision-making capacity.

Opposition and referendum plans

Opponents, organized under the coalition Against Patient Poisoning!, argue that the law is unjust, inhumane, and violates Slovenia’s constitution, which declares human life inviolable. Aleš Primc, the referendum initiative’s lead signatory, contends that the law pressures sick and elderly individuals into choosing assisted dying. He also criticized it as setting a poor example for younger generations, advocating instead for resilience, seeking help, and overcoming challenges. The coalition is actively gathering signatures to call for a referendum to overturn the law.

A divisive step forward

Slovenia’s new law marks a significant shift in its approach to end-of-life care, balancing individual autonomy with stringent safeguards. While supporters view it as a compassionate recognition of human rights, opponents see it as a dangerous precedent, setting the stage for a contentious referendum battle.

The original article can be found here.

More Slovenia coverage here.

Caption: AI-generated photo suggesting assited dying