Assisted suicide becomes legal for terminally ill patients in Slovenia
Slovenia has become the latest European country to legalize assisted suicide for terminally ill patients who are suffering greatly and have exhausted all treatment options. The law, which passed by a narrow margin in the Slovenian Parliament, allows adults the controlled process to end their lives voluntarily after thorough medical review.
The law, which required 46 yes votes to be confirmed, was the result of heated debates in the parliament. The ruling Green-Social Liberal parliamentary group, led by Prime Minister Robert Golob, mainly backed the law. However, the National Council, the upper parliamentary chamber, vetoed the law, reflecting political resistance, especially from the national conservative Democratic Party (DS) led by former Prime Minister Janez Janša.
The law allows for a three-stage examination process for patients who wish to apply for assisted suicide. They must first submit an initial application to their doctor, followed by a second consultation. If the patient still desires it, the doctor forwards the application to a special commission for assisted voluntary euthanasia. Upon commission approval, patients receive a lethal substance to take independently.
The law excludes mentally ill patients from eligibility. Critics opposed the law due to concerns about Slovenia's underdeveloped palliative care and healthcare system. However, supporters argue the law provides a voluntary and regulated option for terminally ill patients suffering intolerably, in line with other European countries legalizing assisted dying.
A national consultative referendum held in 2024 showed 54.89% support for physician-assisted suicide, but parliament initially rejected the proposal. The Slovenian Commission for Medical Ethics also opposed the law, citing severe ethical risks.
The law's passage comes amid a politically divided parliament and societal debate over ethical and healthcare system implications. The law is relevant to terminally ill patients in Slovenia, who will now have the option to end their lives with medical assistance if they meet the necessary criteria. The law is expected to come into effect in the coming months.
The Commission, in the midst of the debate, has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, considering the advancements in science and health-and-wellness, particularly mental-health therapies and treatments, due to the increasing use of technology in various workplaces. With the new law adding a regulated option for terminally ill patients suffering intolerably, the importance of mental health, wellness, and therapies and treatments has become paramount, ensuring the holistic health and wellbeing of all workers, including those in the medical field.
