Spanish
The president of Uruguay, Yamandú Orsi, signed this Wednesday the regulatory decree that enables the entry into force of the Dignified Death Law, a regulation that legalizes euthanasia in the country.
The act marks a milestone in the region, as it becomes the third Latin American country to allow access to medically assisted death, after Colombia and Ecuador.
The legal text was approved in October 2025 by the Senate after an extensive political and social debate. The new legislation grants adults, in full use of their mental faculties, the right to request euthanasia if they suffer from an incurable and irreversible terminal illness, with suffering considered unbearable and a serious and progressive deterioration of the quality of life.
The process requires the person to personally request the procedure from a doctor and to do so in writing in the presence of the professional, or through an adult third party if the physical condition prevents it.
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The regulations, signed by Orsi, establish the creation of an Honorary Review Commission under the presidency of the Ministry of Public Health. This commission will be responsible for overseeing the procedures and ensuring compliance with all requirements and protocols stipulated by law. The commission will function as an independent control body that will review each case to ensure the correct application of the regulations. In a message posted on his social media, Orsi stated: “Human dignity is at the center of the most complex decisions. I signed the regulatory decree of the law that regulates medically assisted death in Uruguay, after a long process of debate, reflection, and listening.” The law stipulates that both Uruguayan citizens, natural or legal, and foreigners with habitual residence in the country may have access. The procedure requires a voluntary request submitted to a doctor, who must ensure that the patient is mentally fit to make the decision. In addition, the doctor must inform the patient about the available alternatives, including palliative care, and verify that the expressed will is free and firm. The process includes a second consultation with another healthcare professional, who must also assess the clinical situation and the patient's determination.If both doctors agree that the requirements are met, the applicant will have a new interview with the first doctor to confirm their willingness to access euthanasia. At that time, the person must provide written proof of their decision before two witnesses, who cannot benefit financially from the death of the declarant and must declare under oath.
You can also The legislative text approved by the Senate with 20 votes in favor indicates that the main objective is to "regulate and guarantee the right of people to go through the process of dying with dignity in the circumstances they determine".
