Uruguay's euthanasia law reflects growing culture of choosing how to live and die
Uruguay made history by becoming the first country in Latin America to legalise euthanasia.
The landmark change followed the passing of the Dignified Death bill in the Senate on October 15, after a long 10-hour debate. Out of the 31 legislators present, 20 voted in favour of the bill.
Under the new law, mentally sound adults diagnosed with an irreversible and terminal illness can personally and in writing request euthanasia, as long as they are Uruguayan citizens or foreign residents.
It does not allow assisted suicide, in which a patient gives themselves a fatal dosage of a prescription drug. The procedure must be carried out by a healthcare professional and ensures that death occurs in a “painless, peaceful, and respectful manner.”
Euthanasia and assisted suicide differ primarily in who carries out the last act: in assisted suicide, the patient self-administers the prescribed medication, whereas in euthanasia, a doctor administers the lethal substance.
This reform continues Uruguay’s trend of progressive policies. The country had previously legalised marijuana, same-sex marriage, and abortion. Public opinion also leaned strongly in favour, with about 62% of Uruguayans supporting the bill. Advocates like Beatriz Gelós, a 71-year-old living with neurodegenerative ALS, described the law as “compassionate, very humane.”
However, opposition came mainly from the Catholic Church. Daniel Sturla, the archbishop of Montevideo, warned that the bill could promote the idea that some lives are “disposable”.
Emotions ran high during the Senate debate, with some opponents shouting “murderers” after the vote passed.
Where assisted suicide or euthanasia is legal
Latin America
Uruguay’s move follows similar developments elsewhere. While the Latin nation is the first in the region to achieve this through legislation, Colombia and Ecuador have decriminalised the practice via Supreme Court decisions.
- Colombia: Euthanasia has been legal since 1997, and assisted suicide was decriminalised in 2022. The law allows medical professionals to assist patients in ending their lives, even for non-terminal illnesses.
- Ecuador: In February 2024, Ecuador’s constitutional court ruled 7–2 to decriminalise euthanasia, allowing doctors to help patients die without facing homicide charges.
Europe
- Switzerland: Legal since 1942, assisted dying is allowed if the motives are not selfish. Organisations like Dignitas also help foreign nationals.
- Netherlands: Since 2002, euthanasia and assisted suicide have been legal for patients facing unbearable suffering with no hope of recovery. Minors from the age of 12 can access the law with parental consent.
- Belgium: Legalised in 2002 for terminal or severely suffering patients, including those with psychiatric conditions. Since 2014, minors can also qualify with parental approval.
- Spain: Approved in 2021 for people with incurable or debilitating diseases seeking to end their life.
North America
- Canada: Introduced Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) in 2016 for those nearing death, later expanded in 2021 to include people with “grievous and irremediable” conditions.
- United States: Legal in ten states and the District of Columbia, including California, Oregon, Washington, and New Jersey.
Australia
Most Australian states now allow voluntary assisted dying for people with terminal illnesses or conditions causing intolerable suffering. Victoria led the way in 2019.
Where legislation is being considered
Europe
- England and Wales: A bill passed in June 2025 gives terminally ill people with less than six months to live the right to assisted death, pending final approval.
- France: In May 2025, lawmakers approved a bill allowing terminally ill patients to end their lives with medical assistance, which could take effect by 2027.
- Germany: Assisted dying remains in legal limbo after a 2020 court ruling overturned previous bans, but no new law has been finalised.
- Ireland: A 2024 parliamentary vote opened the door for future legalisation under specific conditions.
Uruguay’s decision adds momentum to the global debate on assisted dying, as more countries look to shift toward laws that prioritise dignity and personal choice at the end of life, with the number of people opting to die with assistance increasing exponentially over the years.
In Canada, the number of assisted deaths more than doubled, rising from 4,480 in 2018 to 10,064 in 2021.
Out of the over 320,000 deaths that occurred in Canada in 2023, 15,300 of those deaths—roughly one in 20—were medically assisted.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
