Summary
Slovenia's parliament has approved a new law that allows terminally-ill adults to choose to end their lives when no other treatments can help. This move follows a referendum where 55% of voters supported the idea. The law does not allow assisted dying for those suffering due to mental illness.
Key Facts
- Slovenia's parliament passed a law for assisted dying with 50 votes in favor, 34 against, and three abstentions.
- The law applies to terminally-ill adults experiencing unbearable suffering with no remaining treatment options.
- Assisted dying will not be available for mental illness-related suffering.
- A referendum showed 55% of Slovenians supported assisted dying.
- Opponents may seek another referendum to challenge the law.
- The law is expected to come into effect in the next few weeks.
- Slovenia joins Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, Belgium, and some U.S. states in permitting assisted dying.
- Slovenia's Commission for Medical Ethics has expressed concerns about ethical risks linked to the law.
