Uruguay Approves Euthanasia Law in the House of Representatives

The proposal for a dignified death will go to the Senate, where its approval is expected this semester, consolidating Uruguay as a regional pioneer in regulating this practice. The Uruguayan Chamber of Deputies has overwhelmingly approved a law on euthanasia in cases of incurable illness and extreme suffering. The initiative, promoted by the Frente Amplio party (Broad Front), had the support of legislators from the National Party and the Colorado Party, marking a historic step that could make Uruguay the first country in Latin America to regulate euthanasia through legislation, breaking away from Colombia and Ecuador, where it was decriminalized by court rulings.  The project called “Dignified Death” with 64 votes in favor and 29 against is expected to be approved before the end of the semester.

A Debate Started in 2019

The text is the result of a long debate that began in 2019, following the case of Fernando Sureda, who requested the legalization of euthanasia to alleviate the suffering caused by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Sureda died in 2020, but his cause prompted former congressman Ope Pasquet to present an initial proposal, which received preliminary approval in 2022, but was rejected in the Senate. The new version integrates contributions from the Broad Front and establishes clear criteria for its application.

Requirements and Guarantees of the Procedure

According to the project, people of legal age, mentally fit and diagnosed with an incurable and irreversible pathology in the terminal stage or with unbearable suffering will be able to access this right. The process requires a written request from the patient or a legal representative, two independent medical evaluations and, in case of discrepancies, the intervention of a medical board. The creation of an honorary commission that will supervise the cases and send reports to the Ministry of Health and Parliament is also planned.

Positions For and Against

Representative Federico Preve (FA) defended the proposal as a “right to die with dignity,” emphasizing that the decision must be free and autonomous. In contrast, legislator Rodrigo Goñi (National Party) argued that this law implies “renouncing the right to life” and could generate discrimination and abuse against vulnerable patients. He proposed a “guarantees committee” and prioritizing palliative care, although his proposal was rejected. Preve responded that euthanasia and palliative care are not mutually exclusive and coexist in other countries where the practice is regulated.