Post by : Badri Ariffin

In a significant move, Slovenia has firmly rejected a controversial law allowing terminally ill adults to choose assisted death. Early reports reveal that 53% of voters opposed the proposal, delaying any future implementation for at least a year.

The referendum, conducted on a Sunday, saw a turnout of 40.9% from the 1.7 million eligible voters, meeting the necessary legal majority for the vote. This decision follows the parliament's approval of the law in July, expecting popular support in a referendum set for 2024.

The proposed legislation aimed to empower terminally ill patients with the option for assisted dying if their condition was unbearably painful and if all treatment avenues were exhausted. Provisions were also included for cases lacking a realistic chance of recovery, with the stipulation that it would not cover mental health issues alone.

The campaign to challenge the law was led by the civil group Voice for the Children and the Family. Supported by the Catholic Church and conservative political factions, they gathered over 40,000 signatures to push for a revote. Ales Primc, the group's leader, hailed the outcome as a win for “solidarity and justice,” celebrating it as a victory for the “culture of life.”

Prime Minister Robert Golob advocated for the law, highlighting the importance of individual choice and dignity at the end of life. Conversely, opponents, particularly from the Catholic Church, asserted that the concept of assisted dying is at odds with core religious and ethical beliefs.

This referendum positions Slovenia amidst countries like Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Switzerland where strict conditions permit assisted dying. Conversely, many European nations still classify this practice as illegal, even for terminally ill individuals facing intense suffering.

The results illustrate the ongoing struggle between personal liberty, ethical dilemmas, and societal morals, prompting Slovenia to rethink its stance on end-of-life care within the broader global context of assisted dying discussions.

#Global News #Business News