Fri Jul 18 20:14:05 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Slovenia’s parliament has legalized assisted dying for terminally ill adults experiencing unbearable suffering after exhausting all treatment options. The law, approved by a majority vote and backed by a prior referendum, will not apply to those suffering from mental illness. The move has faced opposition from conservative groups who fear it will devalue life. Slovenia joins other countries and regions with similar laws, including Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, Belgium, and some U.S. states.

**News Article:**

**Slovenia Legalizes Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill**

LJUBLJANA, Slovenia – Slovenia’s parliament has passed a landmark law granting terminally ill adults the right to assisted dying, making it the latest European nation to legalize the practice. The vote, held on Friday, saw 50 lawmakers in favor, 34 against, and three abstentions, allowing medical assistance in dying for individuals experiencing unbearable suffering with no remaining treatment options. The law, however, specifically excludes those suffering from mental illness.

The decision follows a consultative referendum last year in which 55% of Slovenians supported assisted suicide. While the law is expected to take effect in the coming weeks, opponents may still attempt to trigger another referendum to overturn the decision.

Supporters of the law argue it respects individual autonomy and alleviates suffering. “The right [to assisted dying] does not represent a defeat for medicine,” stated Tereza Novak, a lawmaker from the governing Freedom Movement. “It would be wrong for medicine to deprive people of their right to die if they want to and medicine cannot help them.”

However, the move has been met with fierce opposition. The conservative Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS) denounced the bill, warning that it “opens the door to a culture of death, the loss of human dignity and the minimization of the value of life, in particular of the most vulnerable.” Even the country’s Commission for Medical Ethics expressed concerns about the ethical risks involved, despite amendments made during the legislative process.

With this vote, Slovenia joins a growing list of countries and regions, including Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, Belgium, and select U.S. states, that permit assisted dying for terminally ill individuals. The UK parliament recently voted in favor of legalizing assisted dying, although the bill is still pending approval from the upper chamber. The Slovenian decision highlights the ongoing global debate surrounding end-of-life care and individual rights.

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