Uruguay pioneers euthanasia in Latin America through new law

Amaravati, October 16, 2025:

Uruguay's Senate approved euthanasia legislation on October 15 with 20 of 31 votes in favour, making the nation the first in largely Catholic Latin America to enact such a measure via parliamentary process rather than judicial ruling.

The bill, advanced unevenly over five years, gained lower house support in August and now awaits regulatory rollout, reflecting growing public calls for dignity in terminal illness. Supporters from the ruling Broad Front coalition likened it to prior breakthroughs in divorce and same-sex marriage, stressing life's quality over obligation amid suffering. Catholic leaders, including Montevideo's Archbishop Daniel Sturla, decried it as undermining life's sanctity, yet Uruguay's secular lean, evident in neutral oaths and "Family Day" for Christmas, eased resistance in the 3.5 million-strong country.

The law enables medical euthanasia for mentally competent adults with incurable conditions causing intolerable pain, sans time limits or waiting periods, but bars minors and self-administered options.