Slovenia Rejects Assisted Dying Law in Recent Referendum

On November 23, 2025, Slovenian voters participated in a referendum regarding the legalization of assisted dying for terminally ill adults. The results indicated that approximately 53 percent of voters rejected the law, while 47 percent supported it. This outcome effectively suspends the law's implementation for at least one year, as Slovenia's parliament cannot revisit the issue during this period. The referendum was initiated after a civil group, backed by the Catholic Church and conservative opposition, gathered over 46,000 signatures to call for a repeat vote.

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The law in question had been approved by Slovenia's parliament in July 2024, following a non-binding referendum that indicated public support. Under the proposed legislation, lucid, terminally ill patients would have had the right to assisted dying if their suffering was unbearable and all treatment options had been exhausted. The law required the approval of two doctors and included a cooling-off period, but it did not extend to individuals suffering from mental health conditions.

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Ales Primc, the head of the NGO Voice for the Children and the Family, led the campaign against the assisted dying law. He stated, "Compassion has won," emphasizing that Slovenia rejected what he termed the government's "health, pension, and social reforms based on death and poisoning." Prime Minister Robert Golob, who supported the legislation, argued that it was a matter of dignity and individual choice, stating, "This is not a political issue; it has always been a matter of dignity, human rights, and individual choice."

Public opinion was divided, with some citizens expressing strong support for the law. For instance, Romana Hocevar, a terminally ill patient, voiced her desire for the option of assisted dying, reflecting the sentiments of many who believe in alleviating unnecessary suffering. Conversely, Marija Unuk, a voter in her late fifties, opposed the law, stating, "I support the culture of life, not the culture of death." The Catholic Church, represented by Archbishop Stanislav Zore, criticized the law, advocating for enhanced palliative care instead.

The voter turnout for the referendum was reported at 40.9 percent, just enough to meet the threshold for the no vote to be valid. This decision has broader implications for the ongoing debate surrounding assisted dying in Europe, where several countries, including Belgium, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, have already legalized the practice. The rejection of the law in Slovenia reflects a complex interplay of cultural, ethical, and political factors influencing public opinion on assisted dying.

While the referendum results indicate a clear rejection of the assisted dying law, the debate surrounding the issue remains unresolved. Prime Minister Golob acknowledged that the challenge of addressing terminal illness and suffering persists, suggesting that discussions on the topic may continue in the future. As Slovenia navigates this contentious issue, the implications of the referendum will likely resonate within the broader European context, where assisted dying laws are increasingly being debated and enacted.

• “Compassion has won,” — Ales Primc, Head of Voice for the Children and the Family

• “This is not a political issue; it has always been a matter of dignity, human rights, and individual choice,” — Robert Golob, Prime Minister of Slovenia

• “Let’s care for the sick and dying but not offer them suicide,” — Stanislav Zore, Archbishop of Slovenia

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