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Uruguay becomes the first Latin American country to allow euthanasia through legislation

October 24, 2025

Uruguay has made history by becoming the first Latin American country to pass a law permitting euthanasia, following Senate approval with 20 votes in favor out of 31. The legislation allows mentally capable adults suffering from chronic, incurable diseases that cause suffering to access the procedure. This milestone follows a five-year legislative journey that began with a proposal in 2020, stalled, and was reintroduced after the leftist coalition Frente Amplio returned to presidency.

Who is affected

  • Mentally capable adults suffering from chronic, incurable, and irreversible diseases
  • Individuals who are currently suffering and could immediately benefit from the law
  • Families of patients with terminal illnesses, like the Salgueiro family
  • Healthcare providers who will administer the procedure
  • Citizens of Uruguay who now have this end-of-life option

What action is being taken

  • The bill is awaiting final approval from President Yamandu Orsi
  • Government officials are preparing health and legal teams to regulate the law as soon as possible
  • Advocacy groups like Empatia Uruguay are supporting the legislation's implementation
  • The Catholic Church is expressing concerns about promoting a "death culture"

Why it matters

  • Uruguay becomes the first Latin American country to establish euthanasia as a right through legislation
  • It continues Uruguay's progressive tradition following earlier milestones in women's voting rights, marijuana decriminalization, abortion rights, and same-sex marriage
  • The law provides an option for those suffering from terminal illnesses to end their suffering with dignity
  • It represents a significant shift in how end-of-life care is approached in Latin America, with Uruguay joining only Colombia, Cuba, and Ecuador in permitting some form of euthanasia
  • The legislation emphasizes personal choice and freedom regarding end-of-life decisions

What's next

  • President Orsi is expected to give final approval to the bill
  • Health and legal teams will work on regulations for implementing the law
  • The government will establish procedures for patients to request euthanasia
  • The law will take effect, allowing eligible patients to begin accessing the procedure

Read full article from source: Global Voices