Slovenia votes down assisted dying law in binding referendum

Slovenian voters narrowly rejected plans to legalise assisted dying for some terminally ill adults, according to partial results from the state election commission.

Slovenia delivered a close but decisive verdict on Sunday, with just over 53% voting against a law that would have allowed assisted dying for adults facing unbearable suffering with no chance of recovery. The proposal, approved by parliament in July, was pushed to a nationwide vote after a citizens' group led by right wing campaigner Ales Primc gathered enough signatures to trigger a binding referendum.

The result reflected weeks of heated debate in a country where questions of end-of-life care have long been emotionally charged. Supporters framed the law as a humane choice that could spare people needless pain during their final days. Opponents warned that legalising assisted dying risked crossing an ethical line and weakening wider social protections.

Primc celebrated the outcome, saying voters had defended what he called a culture of life. Advocates for the legislation expressed disappointment, arguing that the decision leaves many patients without options at the most difficult stage of illness.

With the referendum result now settled, the law will not come into force, and Slovenia remains among European nations that continue to prohibit assisted dying.

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