Uruguay legalized euthanasia on Wednesday, becoming one of the first countries in Latin America to allow assisted suicide, reports LETA citing AFP.
The small South American country had previously enacted socially liberal laws, including the legalization of marijuana, same-sex marriage, and abortions—significantly earlier than most other countries.
On Wednesday, euthanasia was added to this list: the Senate approved the so-called "dignified death" bill, which was voted for by 20 out of 31 present legislators, thus enacting a law that had been approved by the House of Representatives in August.
In other Latin American countries, the courts of Colombia and Ecuador have decriminalized euthanasia without passing laws legalizing the practice, while in Cuba, terminally ill patients are allowed to refuse artificial life support.
In Uruguay, this legal act—an initiative of the ruling leftist coalition "Broad Front" (Frente Amplio)—was finally adopted after years of struggle, during which it faced active opposition from religious right forces.
A recent survey showed that more than 60% of Uruguayans support the legalization of euthanasia, with only 24% opposing it.
The law allows assisted suicide for adult citizens or residents of Uruguay who are competent and suffering from an incurable disease in its final stages, causing them suffering.
The Association of Doctors of Uruguay did not express an official position on the issue of euthanasia, allowing its members the right to follow their conscience.
At the same time, the Catholic Church expressed regret over this decision.
