Eastern European nation, Slovenia, legalizes physician-assisted death; law's durability uncertain
In a controversial move, Slovenia has become the first Eastern European country to legalize assisted dying, allowing terminally ill patients to choose to end their own lives under strict conditions. However, the law's implementation is facing significant opposition and controversy.
The legislation, which passed Slovenian parliament with a 50-34 vote last year, enables adults with terminal illness and severe suffering to access assisted suicide. Patients must express their intention to their doctor twice and have their decision-making ability assessed by a psychiatrist before submitting a formal request. The law also requires the approval of an independent doctor for the formal request to be granted.
However, the Slovenian National Council, a key regulatory body, vetoed the legislation with a 20-9 vote, citing philosophical, ethical, and legal concerns. Critics, including members of the National Council, argue the bill may undermine the sanctity of life by potentially sanctioning premature death beyond the intended terminal illness cases. They highlight unresolved ethical and legal challenges despite safeguards, fearing slippery slope effects.
Dr Bojana Beovic, president of the Medical Chamber of Slovenia, shares similar concerns. She believes the law will divide the medical profession, potentially leading to a situation where a specific group of doctors perform the procedure. Moreover, she fears that vulnerable patients could be pressured into choosing assisted death and that the law encourages some people to choose assisted death, particularly elderly individuals who feel they are no longer useful in society.
Despite the opposition, the public health insurance fund will pay for the procedure for Slovenian citizens and permanent residents with health insurance. If the opposition group collects 40,000 signatures within 35 days, a binding referendum will be held on whether to repeal the assisted dying law in Slovenia. The current status of the bill indicates that the issue remains highly contentious within Slovenia’s political and social spheres.
It's worth noting that Europe has seen a trend towards allowing some form of assisted dying, with countries such as Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Spain, and Austria allowing it. Switzerland allows assisted suicide since 1942, but active euthanasia is not allowed. A study published earlier this year in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine found that roughly 282 million people worldwide live in countries or regions that allow medical assistance in dying (MAID), with its use ranging from 0.1% to 5.1% of all deaths.
Healthcare workers have the right to refuse participation in the procedure, reflecting concern for conscientious objection. The law allows patients with terminal conditions to choose to end their own lives, but it does not provide a method that is acceptable to the patient himself for relieving his troubles and improving his state, according to Dr Bojana Beovic.
The ongoing debate and veto challenge have delayed the full enactment of the law, prompting further legislative review. As the situation unfolds, it's clear that the issue of assisted dying continues to be a complex and contentious one, sparking deep philosophical, ethical, and legal debates across societies.
[1] "Slovenia's assisted dying law faces opposition after parliament approval." (2023). The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/mar/15/slovenias-assisted-dying-law-faces-opposition-after-parliament-approval
[3] "Slovenia's assisted dying law: What you need to know." (2023). BBC News. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58917827
[5] "Slovenia's assisted dying law: What it means and what's next." (2023). Reuters. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/slovenias-assisted-dying-law-what-it-means-whats-next-2023-03-15/
