On July 18, 2025, Slovenia's parliament passed a law permitting assisted dying for terminally ill adults experiencing unbearable suffering with no expected improvement. This legislation aligns Slovenia with countries like Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, and Belgium, which have legalized assisted dying.
The law was approved with 50 votes in favor, 34 against, and three abstentions. It stipulates that all treatment options must be exhausted before considering assisted dying and excludes cases involving mental illness.
A consultative referendum held in June 2024 showed that 55% of voters supported the introduction of such a law.
Despite the parliamentary approval, opposition remains. A civil group opposing the law intends to gather public support to initiate a referendum to potentially overturn it.
Religious communities in Slovenia have also expressed strong opposition to the law. Representatives from various religious groups, including the Catholic Church, the Islamic Community, and the Jewish Community, have issued a joint statement voicing their disagreement with the introduction of assisted suicide into Slovenian legislation.
The law is expected to come into force in the coming weeks, reflecting a broader European trend toward legalizing assisted dying.