Slovenia became the first Eastern European country to legalise assisted dying, amid an expansion of the end-of-life option across the continent. The parliament passed the Law on Assistance in Voluntary Ending of Life with 50 votes in favour, 34 against, and three abstentions, following a 2024 consultative referendum in which 54.9% of voters supported such legislation.
Under the new law, the right applies to patients with terminal illnesses or severe, incurable conditions when treatment options have been exhausted and there is no reasonable expectation of recovery or improvement.
Requests cannot be made solely due to unbearable suffering caused by mental illness.
The process begins when a patient notifies their doctor of their wish. After a second consultation, the patient may submit a formal application, which the doctor forwards — along with a medical opinion — to a special commission.
If approved, the patient chooses the method of administering the life-ending medication, which must be self-administered.
Doctors are not directly involved in carrying out the act but may provide advice. Death certificates will list the underlying illness as the cause of death, not assisted dying itself — a decision that some lawmakers say could distort mortality statistics.
Supporters, including MPs from the Freedom Movement and the Left, say the law includes multiple safeguards: review by a commission, confirmation of the patient’s free will, and a right for all healthcare workers to refuse participation on conscience grounds.
They argue the legislation respects dignity, autonomy, and the wishes of patients to die at home under conditions they find acceptable.
Opponents, led by activist Aleš Primc and the coalition Against Poisoning Patients!, argue the law undermines the right to care, pain relief, and compassion. They have begun collecting signatures to trigger a referendum to repeal the law.
15.08.2025.
