Slovenian Assisted Dying Legislation Faces Controversial Veto

A pivotal state body in Slovenia has halted the progression of a new law permitting assisted dying, citing unresolved philosophical, ethical, and legal complexities. According to the STA news agency, the controversial decision emerged on Wednesday.

The Slovenian parliament had initially approved the bill, designed to empower terminally-ill patients to end their suffering legally, aligning with similar moves in other countries like Canada and the Netherlands. However, the National Council, a bipartisan regulatory entity, vetoed the legislation with a decisive 20-9 vote, necessitating its return to parliament for further deliberation.

Opponents within the council are concerned that the legislation might erode the value placed on life by inadvertently sanctioning premature death irrespective of circumstances. The veto comes despite the bill's strict conditions, which disallow assisted dying where mental illness is the sole cause of suffering, as detailed in previous reports by the STA.

(With inputs from agencies.)