In a landmark decision, Uruguay’s Senate passed a law decriminalizing euthanasia on Wednesday, positioning the nation as a pioneer in Latin America on this contentious issue. The legislation, which received approval from 20 out of 31 senators, allows seriously ill patients to legally seek assistance in ending their lives. This makes Uruguay the first predominantly Catholic country in the region to enact such a law through legislative means, joining Colombia and Ecuador, where the practice was decriminalized via Supreme Court rulings. The bill had already cleared the lower house in August with overwhelming support. The law’s passage marks the culmination of a five-year legislative journey, with final implementation now awaiting government regulations. The debate surrounding euthanasia has intensified across Latin America in recent years, with Uruguay’s decision reflecting shifting societal attitudes. Sen. Patricia Kramer of the ruling leftist coalition emphasized that public opinion had driven the initiative, stating, ‘Public opinion is asking us to take this on.’ The law permits euthanasia performed by healthcare professionals but excludes assisted suicide, where patients self-administer lethal medication. Unlike similar laws in the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand, Uruguay’s legislation imposes no time limits on life expectancy or waiting periods. It allows individuals with incurable illnesses causing ‘unbearable suffering’ to seek assisted death, even if their condition is not terminal. The law also mandates that patients be mentally competent, requiring two doctors to confirm their psychological fitness. However, Uruguay will not extend euthanasia rights to minors, distinguishing it from countries like Belgium, Colombia, and the Netherlands. The Catholic Church, a vocal opponent of the law, urged Uruguayans to ‘defend the gift of life,’ but secularization has diminished resistance in the country, which has a history of progressive social policies, including the legalization of marijuana, same-sex marriage, and abortion. Vice President Carolina Cosse hailed the law as a historic milestone, reinforcing Uruguay’s reputation as a socially liberal leader in the region.