Uruguay Becomes First Latin American Country to Legalize Euthanasia

Uruguay has legalized euthanasia for mentally sound adults with terminal illnesses, becoming the first in Latin America to do so. The law bans assisted suicide. Over 60% of Uruguayans support it, while the Catholic Church voiced sadness at the move.

Uruguay has officially legalized euthanasia, becoming the first country in Latin America to approve a law that allows terminally ill individuals to choose an assisted death.

The Uruguayan Senate passed the “Dignified Death” bill on Wednesday, with 20 of the 31 senators voting in favor. The bill had earlier cleared the lower house in August with a strong majority, marking a significant step in the country’s ongoing embrace of progressive social policies.

Under the new legislation, any adult Uruguayan citizen who is mentally sound and suffering from an irreversible, terminal illness will be allowed to request euthanasia. The procedure must be carried out by a qualified healthcare professional. However, the law explicitly prohibits assisted suicide, which involves the patient administering a lethal dose of medication themselves.

Following the approval, Senator Daniel Borbonet addressed the emotional and moral dimensions of the decision, saying that while life is universally valued, it should not become an obligation for those enduring unbearable suffering. He referenced testimonies from patients with incurable diseases who expressed the desire to die with dignity.

Uruguay’s decision is consistent with its long-standing record of enacting socially liberal reforms in a region where Catholic values often shape public policy. The country was among the first in Latin America to legalize cannabis, same-sex marriage, and abortion, reinforcing its reputation as a progressive outlier.

Public opinion has also strongly supported the move. Recent surveys show that more than 60% of Uruguayans favor the legalization of euthanasia, while only about a quarter of the population opposes it.

In comparison, other Latin American nations have taken more cautious steps. Colombia and Ecuador have decriminalized euthanasia through court rulings but have yet to pass comprehensive laws regulating the practice. In Cuba, terminally ill patients are allowed to decline life-prolonging medical treatment, though active euthanasia remains prohibited.

The Catholic Church, which retains significant influence across the region, expressed deep sorrow over Uruguay’s decision. Church leaders said they were “saddened” by the passage of the bill, reaffirming their belief in the sanctity of life from conception until natural death.