Eesti 200 proposes Estonian referendum on the right to euthanasia

The Eesti 200 faction in the Riigikogu, Estonia's parliament, has submitted a bill to hold a referendum on the right to voluntarily end one's life with medical assistance. The initiators want the vote held at the same time as the next parliamentary elections in March 2027. The result would serve as a guide from the public for future policy.

The question for voters

Estonian citizens entitled to vote would answer "yes" or "no" to the question of whether Estonia should legalise the right of an adult with legal capacity, suffering from a serious and incurable illness, to die with dignity with medical assistance.

The bill itself does not introduce any specific legal provisions on euthanasia or assisted suicide, and it does not define what possible regulation would contain.

The party's reasoning

Kristina Kallas, chair of the Eesti 200 party, stressed that the aim of the referendum is to obtain direction from society for further policy. She said the party does not want to offer simple answers to complex questions, but believes society is ready to discuss whether people should have the option of dying with dignity and medical help rather than enduring incurable pain and severe suffering.

According to Kallas, the referendum result would be a democratic guide for the next Riigikogu, which could begin drafting legislation suited to Estonia on the basis of the citizens' expressed will.

Introducing the bill in parliament, Eesti 200 faction member Kadri Tali noted that the European Court of Human Rights recognises a person's right to decide of their own free will to end their life, but leaves states free to determine their own legislation in this area.

Tali said it is a question of humanity, not party politics. She called on other parties to discuss the initiative with their voters and members and to support holding the referendum.