Slovenians have voted to suspend the introduction of a new assisted-suicide law after opponents succeeded in triggering a referendum. On Sunday, 53% of voters rejected the proposal while 47% supported it, pushing its implementation back by at least a year and shifting momentum toward the pro-life side.
Slovenia’s parliament had approved a law in July allowing for assisted suicide after a 2024 referendum supported it. But the new vote was called after pro-life and faith based groups gathered 46,000 signatures in favour of holding a new referendum, exceeding the 40,000 required.
The latest result indicates that Slovenian voters have shifted their views over the past year. In June 2024, a non-binding “consultative” referendum on adopting an assisted-suicide law passed with 54.89% in favour and 45.11% against. Since then, several prominent medical experts publicly expressed serious concerns about legalising assisted suicide and the potential consequences of such a law – interventions that likely played a significant role in turning the tide of public opinion.
A joint statement was released in the name of the Slovenian Medical Association, drafted following consultations with the Medical Chamber of Slovenia, the Slovenian Medical Academy, and the National Medical Ethics Commission, stated: “As doctors, we cannot and do not want to become assistants in suicide. This would mean betraying our mission and the fundamental values of medicine. Our duty is to help, not harm; to alleviate suffering, not to cause death. We believe in dialogue, respect and compassion. At the end of their lives, people do not seek death, but dignity, safety and closeness. We as a society must ensure this for them – not with a law on death, but with a commitment to life and humanity.”
The referendum win in Slovenia is a powerful sign of hope. It shows what can be achieved and why, from a pro-life standpoint, the fight in Ireland on this issue is still very much alive.