By Nimish Kumar, The International Parliament Journal (IPJ) | August 23, 2025 |
Montevideo (Uruguay) — Uruguay’s Chamber of Representatives has approved a groundbreaking bill that legalizes euthanasia for mentally competent adults suffering from incurable illnesses or unbearable pain. The bill passed with a 64-29 vote after an overnight debate. It now heads to the Senate, where it is expected to pass by the end of the year.
Under the proposed law, adults who have been diagnosed with terminal, irreversible diseases causing extreme suffering can request euthanasia.
- The request must be made in writing and in person.
- A treating doctor will assess the case within three days.
- A second doctor will give an independent opinion within five days.
- If the doctors disagree, a medical board will decide within five more days.
The bill does not permit assisted suicide, only euthanasia administered by medical professionals.
The proposal includes strict checks:
- A new honorary commission will monitor procedures and report to the Health Ministry and Parliament.
- Any violations of the process will be subject to the Penal Code.
Uruguay Parliament: What happened in Parliamentary discussion?
These safeguards helped win over lawmakers who opposed earlier drafts of the bill. The debate surrounding euthanasia in Uruguay has been ongoing since 2019, sparked by former sports official Fernando Sureda, who was diagnosed with ALS and advocated for the right to die with dignity.
During the session, Health Committee chair Luis Enrique Gallo said:
“This bill is about love, humanity, and empathy. Uruguay has a chance to lead again on human rights.”
However, not all lawmakers agreed.
Deputy Rodrigo Goñi strongly opposed the bill:
“Never can an early death be a human solution. This is the saddest page in our history.”
Public opinion remains firmly behind the measure.
- In 2020, 82% of Uruguayans supported legal euthanasia.
- In 2022, Factum polling found 77% in favor.
This backing has helped push the bill forward despite political and religious opposition.
Uruguay is already known for its progressive laws, including early legalization of:
- Same-sex marriage
- Abortion
- Cannabis use
If the Senate approves the bill, Uruguay will become the first Latin American country to legalize euthanasia through legislation.
Uruguay Parliament leads in Latin America on this issue-
Few countries in the region permit euthanasia:
- Colombia decriminalized it in 1997 and expanded access in 2022.
- Ecuador legalized it in 2023 via a court ruling.
- Cuba added the right to die with dignity in a 2023 health law, pending regulation.
- Peru approved euthanasia in an individual case after a judicial decision.
- Chile and Argentina have active but stalled legislative efforts.
- Mexico, Brazil, and Paraguay currently prohibit active euthanasia.
The Senate, where the Broad Front coalition holds a majority, is expected to approve the bill before the end of 2025. Uruguay could soon join Canada, Colombia, and Spain among countries with full legislative frameworks for assisted dying. As the region watches closely, Uruguay’s decision may set a new precedent for end-of-life rights in Latin America.