In a historic decision, Uruguay became the first Latin American country to legalise euthanasia through legislation on 15 October 2025. The new law allows medically assisted dying for patients suffering from incurable illnesses that cause unbearable physical or psychological pain, marking a landmark step in the region’s human rights and medical ethics landscape.
The Uruguayan Senate passed the bill with a 20–11 vote, following years of public and political debate. Unlike some nations, the law does not require a terminal prognosis but mandates that patients be mentally competent, as certified by two independent doctors. It also restricts euthanasia to qualified healthcare professionals, while assisted suicide remains illegal.
Uruguay’s move positions it alongside countries such as Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, and Canada, which recognise euthanasia under strict conditions. This decision is expected to influence ongoing bioethical discussions across Latin America, especially in Chile, Argentina, and Mexico, where similar debates continue.
