Uruguay Becomes First Latin American Country to Legalize Euthanasia

Uruguay has made history as the first country in Latin America to legalize euthanasia, following the Senate’s approval of the landmark “Dignified Death” bill.

The bill, which allows terminally ill adults of sound mind to choose assisted death carried out by a healthcare professional, was passed on Wednesday with 20 votes in favor out of 31. The lower house had overwhelmingly approved the legislation in August.

Under the new law, only medical professionals are permitted to perform euthanasia, while assisted suicide—where patients self-administer a lethal substance—remains prohibited.

“We all believe and feel that life is a right, both in health and in sickness, but it should never be an obligation because others don’t understand such unbearable suffering,” said Senator Daniel Borbonet, referencing the testimonies of patients with irreversible illnesses.

Uruguay has long been recognized for its progressive social policies, including the legalization of same-sex marriage, abortion, and recreational cannabis use.

A recent poll indicates that more than 60% of Uruguayans support the legalization of euthanasia, while only 24% oppose it.

Elsewhere in Latin America, Colombia and Ecuador have decriminalized euthanasia without enacting formal legislation, and Cuba allows terminally ill patients to refuse life-prolonging treatment.