Slovenian lawmakers have passed a historic bill allowing medically-assisted suicide for terminally ill adults, becoming the first Eastern European country to legalize the practice. The legislation, which received 50 votes in favor during a parliamentary vote, aligns Slovenia with countries like Canada and Switzerland in offering ‘death with dignity’ options. While the law is praised as a significant advancement in end-of-life rights, its implementation will be delayed until procedures and oversight mechanisms 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.
Although it is being hailed as a landmark move, it will not be immediately implemented as the detailed procedures and oversight mechanisms are still being finalized. “This is a victory for compassion and dignity,” said one lawmaker in support of the bill. A civil rights group opposed to the law pledged on Friday to seek public backing for a potential attempt to force a referendum on the measure.
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.
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.
Reuters contributed to this report.