Montevideo, Uruguay – Uruguay's lower house of parliament has passed a landmark bill to legalize euthanasia and assisted dying, a significant step that positions the country to become the first in Latin America to legislatively regulate the practice. The chamber of deputies approved the measure on august 13, 2025, with 64 out of 99 votes following an emotional overnight debate.

The bill, titled "Muerte Digna" ("Dignified Death"), now advances to the senate, where it is widely expected to be approved by the end of the year. The legislation is designed to respect patient autonomy, allowing mentally competent adults who are suffering from terminal or incurable illnesses to request medical assistance to end their life.

Proponents of the bill have emphasized its focus on compassion and individual rights. Gallo, a representative from the ruling center-left Broad Front coalition, stated that the legislation respects the will of the patient without external interference, centering on their personal suffering and their ultimate decision regarding their life.

The legislation includes several procedural safeguards. A patient's request for euthanasia would require multiple medical consultations. A pivotal amendment, which helped secure broader support, established that a medical board can be convened to review a case if the first two consulting doctors disagree on the patient's eligibility.

The initiative has garnered support across the political spectrum, including from members of the ruling Broad Front as well as the opposition National and Colorado parties. President Yamandú Orsi has also publicly endorsed the bill. This move aligns with Uruguay's history of enacting progressive social legislation, which includes the legalization of gay marriage, abortion, and recreational cannabis.

Despite the strong political backing, the bill has drawn concern from the Catholic Church in Uruguay. Church officials have warned of potential risks and have argued for the importance of ensuring comprehensive and universal access to palliative care. Critics suggest that without robust palliative care systems, individuals might choose euthanasia due to unmanaged pain and suffering rather than as a truly free choice.

If the bill passes the senate, Uruguay will join countries such as Canada, Spain, and New Zealand that permit some form of medically assisted dying, cementing its reputation as a leader in social reform in the region.