Uruguay has legalized euthanasia following a historic Senate vote, making it one of the first Latin American countries to allow assisted suicide under strict conditions.
Uruguay on Wednesday legalized euthanasia, becoming one of the first Latin American countries and among a dozen worldwide to allow assisted suicide.
The Senate passed the “Dignified Death” bill with 20 votes in favor out of 31, after a 10-hour debate many lawmakers described as “the most difficult.”
The bill, previously approved by the Chamber of Representatives in August, allows mentally competent adult citizens or residents in the terminal stage of an incurable disease to request assisted suicide.
The legislation, an initiative of the ruling leftist Frente Amplio, faced fierce opposition from religious and conservative groups. The Catholic Church expressed “sadness” at the decision, while some onlookers in the Senate gallery shouted “murderers” after the vote.
Supporters called the law a compassionate step forward. Beatriz Gelos, a 71-year-old ALS patient, said it was “very humane,” while Monica Canepa, whose son suffers from paralysis, told AFP, “Pablo is not living. This is not life.”
A recent poll showed over 60 percent of Uruguayans back legal euthanasia.
The country, known for progressive policies such as legalizing abortion, marijuana, and same-sex marriage, now adds euthanasia to its list of landmark social reforms.