Slovenian legislators have become pioneers in Eastern Europe by passing a law on Friday that permits medically-assisted suicide for terminally-ill adults, marking a significant shift in the region’s approach to end-of-life options.
The bill was approved by the country’s parliament with a vote tally of 50 in favor, 34 against, and three abstaining. Additionally, the vote addressed a national referendum advocating for broader end-of-life choices.
This legislation follows a consultative referendum from the previous year, where 55% of participants endorsed the right to choose end-of-life options. Although the decision is celebrated as groundbreaking, the law’s actual enforcement will be delayed until the necessary procedures and regulatory frameworks are established.
The law applies to terminally ill adults who are experiencing unbearable suffering with no prospect of improvement. In order for candidates to qualify, they must be mentally competent and have already exhausted their available treatment options. Individuals suffering solely from mental illness will be excluded from eligibility. The patient has to provide informed, voluntary, and repeated consent. It is believed that the process may require evaluation by multiple medical professionals.
Lawmakers passed the bill with 50 votes in favor, 34 against and three abstaining. (Getty Images)
Several other countries, including Canada, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Australia and Colombia, have legalized the so-called death with dignity.
Last month, Britain’s parliament voted to legalize assisted dying, although the bill must still clear the upper chamber of parliament.
Several other countries have legalized so-called death with dignity. (Getty Images)
In the U.S., 11 states allow medical aid in dying: Delaware, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont and Washington. Lawmakers in some other states are considering similar legislation.
Washington, D.C., also permits physician-assisted suicide.
