Uruguay’s Senate Approves Euthanasia Law, First in Latin America by Legislation

Overview

• The Senate passed the “Morte Digna” bill on Oct. 15 with 20 votes among 31 senators present after more than ten hours of debate.
• Eligibility is limited to adults who are citizens or habitual residents, are mentally competent, and face a terminal incurable illness or unbearable suffering with severe, progressive deterioration of quality of life.
• The process requires a written request, an initial medical assessment within three days, a second independent opinion within five days or a medical board if needed, the right to revoke at any time, and allows physician conscientious objection.
• All providers in the National Integrated Health System must make the necessary services available, and the executive will set implementing rules within a regulation window of up to 180 days.
• President Yamandú Orsi has voiced support; polls show about 62% of Uruguayans favor legalization, while medical leaders offered technical advice without an official stance and civil groups warn of gaps in safeguards and palliative-care access.