With the approval Wednesday, Uruguay becomes the first country in Latin America to legalize euthanasia through parliamentary legislation. Photo by Lolame/Pixabay
Following 10 hours of debate, Uruguay legalized euthanasia after Senate approval of the Dignified Death bill. The country took its first step toward legalization when the House of Representatives passed the measure in August.
The new law recognizes and regulates the “right to experience the dying process with dignity” and, to that end, decriminalizes euthanasia under strict conditions through a regulated procedure, after five years since the bill was introduced.
With the approval Wednesday, Uruguay becomes the first country in Latin America to legalize euthanasia through parliamentary legislation. In the region, only Colombia and Ecuador allow the practice under court rulings, but without specific laws.
The bill passed the Senate 20-11, supported by the ruling Broad Front party, the Colorado Party and National Party Sen. Graciela Bianchi.
During the legislative process, the Catholic Church and pro-life groups raised objections. Cardinal Daniel Sturla criticized the law, saying “having the votes doesn’t mean it’s right,” and he urged society not to normalize a practice that, he said, undermines the protection of life.
Civil organizations and families of patients called the decision a “historic day” for the country. Senate President Carolina Cosse welcomed the approval and said the law “affirms human dignity and the freedom to decide about the end of one’s life.”
The approved law states that it applies to “Uruguayan citizens by birth or naturalization and foreign residents who can reliably prove habitual residence” in the country.
It adds that euthanasia may be requested by adults who are mentally competent and suffer from incurable or irreversible illnesses that cause intolerable suffering.
The request must be submitted in writing to the attending physician, who will evaluate the case along with another independent medical professional. If both agree, the patient may confirm the decision before two witnesses and choose the time and place of the procedure.
The law also requires all providers within the National Integrated Health System to ensure access to the service, while recognizing individual conscientious objection for medical professionals. Minors are excluded and assisted suicide is not included.
It further specifies that when death occurs as a result of a legal euthanasia procedure, the death certificate must list the underlying cause and also note that euthanasia was the final cause, which will be considered a natural death for all legal purposes.
