Slovenians have spoken out against a law that would have allowed terminally ill patients to end their lives with medical assistance. The referendum, held on November 23, 2025, saw 53% of voters reject the law, while 46% supported it. The outcome means the law’s implementation will be suspended for at least a year.
The law, passed by parliament in July, would have allowed mentally competent individuals with incurable diseases to request life-ending medication from doctors. Supporters argued it would give patients a dignified end to their suffering, while opponents claimed it went against Slovenia’s constitution and could lead to abuse. The Catholic Church and conservative groups were among those opposing the law.
Prime Minister Robert Golob’s government had backed the law, but the referendum result is a setback for the ruling coalition. Ales Primc, leader of the campaign against assisted dying, welcomed the outcome, saying “compassion has won” and that Slovenia rejected a “reform based on death by poisoning”.
The debate on assisted dying continues in Slovenia, with advocates saying they will push for legislative changes in the future. Several European countries, including Austria, Belgium, and the Netherlands, already allow assisted dying under certain conditions.
