Slovenia’s parliament has passed a new law that allows people with terminal illnesses to choose assisted dying. This is the first time such a law has been approved in the country.

The law gives adults who are very sick, in constant pain or emotional suffering, and cannot get better, the right to ask for help to end their life in a peaceful way. They must be able to decide this on their own and show they understand what it means.

To request assisted dying, a patient must tell their doctor twice. Then they send a formal request. A special medical team will review the case. An independent doctor will check the person’s illness, and a psychiatrist will check if the person can make the decision clearly.

If approved, the person will take or inject the substance themselves. Doctors, nurses, and pharmacists can choose not to take part if they don’t want to.

The law was created by members of the ruling coalition and passed with 50 votes in favor and 34 against on July 18. It will become official two weeks after being published, but will only be put into action six months later to give time to set up the needed procedures.

A Divided Nation

The law is the result of many years of work by groups representing elderly people, who have pushed hard for this right. But conservative groups and the Catholic Church strongly oppose it. They say life should be protected from beginning to natural end and that palliative care should be improved first.

Some doctors are also against the law. They worry they may be forced to help people die. But the law’s writers say that will not happen.

A similar law was rejected in 2024. But later that year, voters approved the idea in a referendum with 55% support. This encouraged the government to propose a softer version of the law, which does not allow euthanasia without a person’s consent.

Parliament members were divided in debate. Some, like Bojana Muršič from the Social Democrats, said the law supports freedom and dignity. Others, like members of the Christian party New Slovenia, said it goes against the value of life.

A Possible Referendum

A conservative group led by anti-abortion activist Aleš Primc plans to challenge the law. He says the law forces people to die through poisoning, and that every patient deserves care and comfort.

To call another referendum, the group must collect 2,500 signatures at first, and then 40,000 verified signatures within two months. If they succeed, a public vote will be held again.