By Gloria Nosa
Uruguay has become the first nation in Latin America to formally legalize euthanasia, marking a turning point in the region’s long-standing debate over the right to die with dignity.
The Senate approved the measure, known as the “Dignified Death” law, by 20 votes to 11, after the lower house had already given its backing months earlier. Under the new legislation, mentally competent adults suffering from irreversible, terminal conditions may request a medically assisted death carried out exclusively by licensed healthcare professionals.
The law draws a clear distinction from assisted suicide: patients cannot administer the lethal substance themselves. Instead, physicians must perform the procedure directly, ensuring legal and medical accountability.
Supporters hailed the reform as a victory for compassion and individual freedom. Senator Daniel Borbonet highlighted patient testimonies as a driving force behind the bill. “Life is a right, not an obligation. No one should be forced to endure pain that strips them of dignity,” he declared during the debate.
The legislation cements Uruguay’s reputation as a pioneer in progressive policymaking. Over the past two decades, the country has led the way in Latin America by approving same-sex marriage, legal abortion, and cannabis regulation.
Polls suggest a majority of Uruguayans are in favor of euthanasia, with more than 60% expressing support. The law is also expected to reignite conversations in neighboring countries where the practice remains either prohibited or only partially decriminalized.
While Colombia and Ecuador have seen their courts decriminalize euthanasia, no national law exists in either country. In Cuba, terminally ill patients may refuse life-prolonging treatment, but euthanasia remains off the table.
By passing this legislation, Uruguay has set a precedent that could reshape end-of-life care discussions across Latin America, placing the principle of dignity at the center of healthcare choices.
