Slovenians Reject Assisted Dying Law in National Referendum

LJUBLJANA, Slovenia – Voters in Slovenia have rejected a proposed law that would have granted terminally ill patients the right to end their lives through assisted dying. In a national referendum held on Sunday, November 23, 2025, preliminary results indicated that approximately 53% of participants voted against the legislation, while around 46% supported it. The outcome means the law, which had been passed by parliament in July, is now suspended for a minimum of one year.

Referendum Details and Outcome

The referendum saw a voter turnout of nearly 41% of the 1.7 million eligible voters. For the 'no' vote to be successful, it needed to represent more than 20% of the total electorate, a condition that was met. The decision marks a significant moment for the Central European nation, which had previously seen its parliament approve the assisted dying bill following a non-binding consultative referendum in 2024 where 55% of voters expressed support.

The Proposed Legislation and Its Suspension

The rejected law aimed to allow mentally competent adults suffering from incurable diseases, with no prospect of recovery and experiencing unbearable pain, to seek assisted dying. Under the proposed framework, patients would have self-administered lethal medication after receiving approval from two doctors and undergoing a period of consultation. The law explicitly excluded individuals with mental illnesses. The binding nature of Sunday's vote means that the existing law is now suspended, and parliament is prohibited from reintroducing similar legislation for at least 12 months.

Arguments For and Against

The referendum was triggered by a citizens' initiative led by conservative activist Ales Primc, who, along with the Catholic Church and conservative parliamentary opposition, gathered over 40,000 signatures to force the new vote. Supporters of the law, including Prime Minister Robert Golob's liberal government, argued that it would provide individuals with the right to 'die with dignity' and make personal choices about ending their suffering. Opponents, however, contended that the law was 'unjust and inhumane,' violated the country's constitution, and raised concerns about potential misuse and insufficient safeguards. Ales Primc declared that 'Compassion has won,' and that 'Slovenia has rejected the government's health, pension and social reform based on death by poisoning.'

International Context

Slovenia's debate on assisted dying reflects a broader discussion across Europe. Several other European countries, including Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, currently permit some form of medically assisted dying.