The lower house of Uruguay's parliament voted Wednesday to legalize euthanasia, joining Cuba, Colombia, and Ecuador among the few Latin American countries to allow medically assisted dying.
The bill, which decriminalizes euthanasia for people suffering from incurable diseases that cause unbearable pain, was adopted by 64 votes in the 99-seat House of Representatives, following a heated debate that lasted late into the night.
The bill must now be considered by the Senate. Political observers expect it to be approved before the end of the year, paving the way for implementation as early as 2026.
This decision marks a major turning point in a predominantly Catholic country, where end-of-life issues traditionally spark heated debate. Supporters of the reform hail it as progress in terms of individual rights and human dignity, while opponents, particularly from the religious hierarchy, express fears about possible abuses and the trivialization of medically assisted death.
If the Senate confirms the vote, Uruguay will become the fourth Latin American country to authorize euthanasia, continuing a societal shift that has begun on the continent despite a cultural and religious context that is often reluctant to accept this type of legislation.
