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Assisted Dying in Uruguay 
Uruguay made history in 2025 by becoming the first country in Latin America to legalize assisted dying through a legislative act, solidifying its position as a regional pioneer in civil rights.
Legal Status
The “Euthanasia Law” was promulgated in October 2025, formally regulating the practice and moving beyond the previous “judicial pardon” system.
Key Legislation
This statute replaces the ambiguity of Article 37 of the Penal Code with a regulated medical framework.
Eligibility
Access is granted to mentally competent adults suffering from a terminal, incurable, or irreversible condition that causes unbearable suffering.
Summary
In October 2025, Uruguay fundamentally changed the landscape of end of life rights in South America. Following decades of cultural tolerance under a unique “judicial pardon” system, the Parliament passed a comprehensive law legalizing medical assisted dying.
Unlike Colombia and Ecuador, where rights were secured through court rulings, Uruguay achieved this change through the democratic legislative process. The new law provides a transparent, state-regulated pathway for patients to request medical assistance in dying, ensuring legal security for both patients and healthcare providers.
Quick Overview
From Tolerance to Rights.
Law on Euthanasia (Passed Oct 2025)
Click to view the More details.
For nearly a century, Uruguay relied on a “compassionate homicide” defense in its Penal Code, which allowed judges to waive penalties for mercy killings. This ended in 2025 when the Senate gave final approval to the “Euthanasia Law.”
The legislation focuses specifically on medical assisted dying. It establishes strict protocols, including multiple medical opinions to verify the patient’s condition and the voluntariness of the request. The law is currently in the implementation phase, with the Executive Branch finalizing the specific regulations for healthcare institutions.
Visit the ministry of Public Health
for more info.
History and Legislation
Uruguay’s journey has been one of steady secular progress, culminating in the historic 2025 vote.
The “Judicial Pardon” Era (1934-2025): For 90 years, Article 37 of the Penal Code allowed judges to exonerate individuals who killed out of “honor” or “affection.” While progressive for its time, it offered no guarantees and forced families to face legal jeopardy before receiving mercy.
The “Pasquet Bill” & Legislative Debate: The modern movement was spearheaded by Deputy Ope Pasquet (Colorado Party) in 2020. His bill, merged with proposals from the Frente Amplio, sought to turn a judicial defense into a healthcare right.
Historic Approval (2025):
- Lower House: Approved in August 2025 with 64 votes.
- Senate: On October 15, 2025, the Senate granted final approval with a vote of 20 to 11. Support came from the Frente Amplio coalition and members of the Colorado and National parties, reflecting broad cross-party consensus.
Who is Eligible?
Under the new legislation, eligibility is strictly defined:
- Residency: Uruguayan nationals or legal residents.
- Age: Adults (18+).
- Medical Condition: The patient must suffer from a terminal, incurable, and irreversible illness or condition.
- Suffering: The condition must cause unbearable physical or psychological suffering that cannot be alleviated by other acceptable means.
- Competence: The patient must be mentally competent at the time of the request.
- Process:
- The request must be made in writing.
- Two Doctors: The treating physician and an independent second physician must verify the diagnosis and suffering.
- If there is disagreement between the doctors, a Medical Board will intervene.
Visit the ministry of Public Health
for more info.
Members
Our South American Members
We currently have 63 are members of the World Federation, with 3 based in South America.
latest news
The latest news from our members and from around the world
Our members produce helpful factsheets and newsletters. The Federation is always happy to share other sources of information in favour of our joint mission to advance assisted dying around the world.
