Slovenia is set to hold a binding referendum on a law that proposes to legalise assisted dying for terminally ill adults. This vote follows the passage of the law by the Slovenian parliament in July 2023, which aligns the country with several others in Europe that have taken similar legislative steps.
The citizens’ initiative spearheaded by populist politician Ales Primc triggered the referendum, which will take place on Sunday. For the law to be rejected, a majority of participating voters must oppose it, provided that at least 20 percent of the 1.692 million electorate casts their votes.
Supporters argue that the law would alleviate unnecessary suffering for those enduring unbearable pain with no hope for improvement. The proposed legislation permits assisted suicide for adults who meet these criteria, requiring approval from two doctors and a cooling-off period before the procedure can be undertaken.
One notable advocate for the bill is Marijan Janzekovic, an 86-year-old resident of Sveti Tomaz, located east of Ljubljana. Janzekovic’s support stems from personal experience; he accompanied his wife, Alenka Curin-Janzekovic, to a Swiss clinic in 2023 after she suffered from diabetes-related illnesses that left her wheelchair-bound and in constant pain. He reflected on her suffering, stating, “She was in a wheelchair … and in pain so bad my heart hurt just by watching her.”
Opponents of the assisted dying law voice strong concerns regarding its moral implications. They argue that the legislation is inhumane and violates Slovenia’s constitution, which asserts the inviolability of human life. Catholic Archbishop Stanislav Zore has been vocal in his opposition, advocating for a focus on palliative care rather than assisted suicide. He stated, “Let’s care for the sick and dying but not offer them suicide.”
The legislative context for Slovenia’s referendum reflects broader trends in several countries. Assisted dying is already legal in Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, Belgium, and various states in the United States. Earlier this year, the lower house of the United Kingdom’s parliament voted to legalise assisted dying, though the bill is still pending approval in the upper chamber. The UK legislation stipulates that assisted suicide would be available only to terminally ill adults with less than six months to live and includes requirements for the approval of two doctors, judicial oversight, and self-administration of the medication.
Slovenia’s proposed law shares similarities with existing regulations in the UK, requiring both medical approval and self-administration of the medication. Notably, the Netherlands and Belgium extend their provisions to include non-terminal diagnoses, such as psychiatric illnesses, and allow euthanasia administered by a physician.
Public sentiment in Slovenia appears divided. Maria, a 25-year-old resident of Ljubljana, expressed a preference for medical opinions to lead the discussion. “If they are against it, there’s definitely something to it,” she remarked. In contrast, 44-year-old Bruce Milord expressed his intention to vote in support of the law, stating, “Everybody has the right to decide about their life and death.”
As Slovenia approaches this pivotal vote, the implications of the referendum are profound, touching on ethical, medical, and personal dimensions that resonate across the nation. The outcome will reflect not only the will of the electorate but also the evolving attitudes toward end-of-life choices in a rapidly changing society.
