MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY – Uruguay has officially become the first country in Latin America to legalize euthanasia through legislative action, a landmark decision that redefines end-of-life rights in the region. Following years of intense debate and previous legislative attempts, the Senate approved the "Dignified Death" bill on October 15, 2025, with a vote of 20 to 11, solidifying the nation's position as a pioneer in socially progressive policies. The move follows an overwhelming approval by the Chamber of Representatives in August, where the bill passed 64-29 after 14 hours of deliberation.
The new law permits mentally competent adults suffering from incurable and irreversible illnesses, or those enduring "unbearable suffering" that causes a severe and progressive deterioration in their quality of life, to request medical assistance to end their lives. This legislative milestone distinguishes Uruguay from other Latin American nations like Colombia and Ecuador, where euthanasia has been decriminalized through judicial rulings rather than congressional law.
The journey toward legalizing euthanasia in Uruguay has been protracted, marked by shifting political tides and passionate public discourse. While the concept of "compassionate homicide" has existed in Uruguay's Penal Code since 1933, offering judges the discretion to waive punishment for doctors under specific, compassionate circumstances, a comprehensive legal framework for euthanasia remained elusive.
Modern legislative efforts gained significant momentum in recent years, spurred by compelling human interest stories. A pivotal figure in the debate was Fernando Sureda, an accountant diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in 2018, whose public advocacy for the right to die with dignity galvanized support for the cause. His plea resonated with many, including groups like Empathy Uruguay and Assisted Death with Dignity in Uruguay (MADU), who championed the legislative initiative. Florencia Salgueiro, whose father died from ALS without access to legal euthanasia, became another poignant voice, stating, "My father asked to die with lucidity. His end was torture. We fight so that no one else has to go through the same suffering."
A similar bill passed the House of Representatives in 2022 but stalled in the then-right-leaning Senate. However, with the return of the left-wing Broad Front (Frente Amplio) coalition to power, holding a majority in both chambers, the path was cleared for the current "Dignified Death" bill. Senator Daniel Borbonet, during the Senate debate, emphasized the principle that "life is a right... but it should never be an obligation because others don't understand such unbearable suffering."
The newly enacted law establishes stringent criteria and safeguards to ensure that euthanasia is only pursued under carefully considered circumstances. Only Uruguayan nationals or foreigners with legal residency are eligible to access the service. The process requires an individual to be of legal age and mentally competent, making the request in writing and in person.
A treating physician will assess the case within three days, followed by an independent opinion from a second physician within five days. In instances where doctors disagree, the case is referred to a medical board, which must render a decision within an additional five days. The law explicitly states that euthanasia must be administered by a medical professional, distinguishing it from assisted suicide, where the patient self-administers the lethal dose.
Furthermore, the legislation mandates the creation of an honorary commission to monitor procedures and report to the Health Ministry and Parliament, with any violations subject to the Penal Code. Public and private healthcare institutions are required to provide euthanasia services, though specific provisions for institutions with philosophical or religious objections allow for patient transfers to other facilities. The law does not permit euthanasia for minors and requires that patients be deemed psychologically fit to make such a decision, even if mental conditions like depression are present.
Public opinion polls consistently indicated strong support for the legalization of euthanasia in Uruguay. A recent survey found that 62% of Uruguayans supported the measure, with other polls in 2020 and 2022 showing support as high as 82% and 77%, respectively. This broad public backing played a crucial role in legislative discussions, as noted by physician and Frente Amplio politician Luis Gallo, who urged representatives to acknowledge the "expectations and expressions" of the people.
Despite this widespread support, the law faced significant opposition, primarily from the Catholic Church. The Episcopal Conference of Uruguay expressed "sadness" at the bill's approval, describing euthanasia as "ethically unacceptable" and "homicide in a clinical context." The Church advocated for palliative care and palliative sedation as ethical alternatives to alleviate suffering. However, Uruguay's deeply secular character, which bans religious references in official oaths and renames Christmas as "Family Day," has historically tempered the influence of religious institutions on public policy.
Uruguay's decision to legalize euthanasia through legislation marks a significant moment for the country and the wider Latin American continent. It underscores Uruguay's enduring reputation as a socially liberal nation, having previously pioneered laws on marijuana legalization, same-sex marriage, and abortion. Vice President Carolina Cosse hailed the law's passage as a "historic event, which places Uruguay at the forefront in addressing deeply human and sensitive issues."
The new law allows individuals facing terminal illness or unbearable suffering to exercise a right to choose the timing and manner of their death, offering an option for dignity in their final moments. As Uruguay embarks on this new chapter, its legislative model for euthanasia is expected to serve as a significant precedent, influencing ongoing debates and legislative efforts across Latin America and beyond, potentially reshaping regional conversations on autonomy and end-of-life care. The government will now focus on implementing the regulations necessary to bring the law into full effect.
