On Sunday, November 23, a Slovenian referendum rejected the new assisted‑suicide law, with 53% voting to suspend the proposal while turnout was about 41%.
Referendum Result
On Sunday, November 23, a national referendum in Slovenia rejected the proposed assisted‑suicide law, with 53% voting to suspend the bill and 47% in favor. The vote was binding and had a turnout of roughly 41% of eligible voters.
Background of the Draft Legislation
The bill would have permitted assisted suicide for patients with no further treatment options, requiring doctors to assist in preparing the lethal agent that patients would self‑administer.
Citizens’ Initiative and Prior Referendum
The referendum was launched by a civic group opposed to assisted suicide. Alesz Primc, one of its founders, urged the government to focus on medical and pain‑relief support for the sick and disabled. A previous June 2023 referendum had a narrow margin and opened the way for parliamentary debate, but the draft passed in July faced substantial public opposition.
