The new law allows seriously ill patients to receive medical assistance to end their lives.

On Wednesday, the “Dignified Death Law” was approved by the Uruguayan Senate, after five years of debate. Twenty out of 31 senators voted in favor, including legislators from the Broad Front, the Colorado and National Parties.

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The law guarantees the right to die with dignity, decriminalizing euthanasia for mentally fit adults with terminal illnesses, and it must be performed by healthcare professionals, excluding assisted suicide, where the patient self-administers the prescribed lethal medication.

The citizens in situation of disease must be mentally competent and although people with disorders such as depression are not excluded, two physicians are required to certify their psychological fitness to make the decision.

The Chamber of Deputies had given preliminary approval in August with a large majority and polls indicate that nearly 60% of Uruguayans support the law, which also received backing from President Yamandu Orsi and was celebrated by various political leaders.

The text reads, “We have a law. Huge satisfaction with the progress we’ve made; much remains to be done. It’s for people and their dignity that we forged this path. For the Sureda, Salgueiro, Gelos, Canepa families… Uruguay, once again an international benchmark in human rights.”

The main opposition to the euthanasia law came from the Catholic Church, although the country’s increasing secularization has weakened its influence. Uruguay prohibits religious references in official oaths and celebrates Christmas as “Family Day.”

In her X account, Uruguayan Vice President Carolina Cosse stated that it is a historic event, which places Uruguay at the forefront in addressing deeply human and sensitive issues, and reaffirms the country’s commitment to dignity, freedom, and rights of all people.

Secretary of the Presidency, Alejandro Sanchez said, “The passage of the Death with Dignity law speaks to a deep commitment to human dignity and freedom. Today’s vote reflects the struggle of many, responsible debate, interparty dialogue, civil society, and academia.”

“It is a source of pride for Uruguay to overwhelmingly approve the bill that grants a fundamental right to those suffering from incurable diseases. With all the medical and legal guarantees, those in this situation will be able to choose a dignified death,” said Eduardo Brenta, a senator of the Broad Front.

With the Dignified Death Law, Uruguay joins eight countries that allow euthanasia: Spain, the Netherlands, Canada, New Zealand, Ecuador, Colombia, Belgium, and Luxembourg.

In Latin America, Colombia decriminalized the practice in 1997 through a constitutional ruling, although its legal implementation was in 2015.

teleSUR: JP

Source: EFE – France 24

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