Overview
- The election commission reported roughly 53% voted against the law and 47% in favor after nearly all ballots were counted.
- The referendum’s outcome prevents parliament from reconsidering legislation on assisted dying for at least twelve months.
- The blocked law would have allowed assisted suicide for terminally ill patients of sound mind facing unbearable suffering after exhausting treatment options, with eligibility also for patients with no prospect of improvement but excluding those with mental illnesses.
- Opponents backed by the Catholic Church organized the referendum and accused the government of endangering the elderly, while Prime Minister Robert Golob urged support to protect personal choice and dignity.
- Last year a separate referendum reportedly showed 55% support for legalizing assisted dying, highlighting a shift in voter sentiment.