Uruguay Has Become The First Country In Latin America To Legalize Euthanasia

Uruguay has become the first country in Latin America to pass a law legalizing euthanasia.

Euthanasia is the practice of intentionally ending a person's life to eliminate pain and suffering.

The new law allows citizens or legal residents over 18 with an incurable or irreversible illness, or those suffering from unbearable pain, to seek euthanasia.

The person must be mentally competent and evaluated by at least two doctors, and the procedure has to be administered by a doctor.

The law, which was passed on Wednesday, Oct. 15, makes Uruguay the first country in Latin America, which is majority Catholic, to legalize euthanasia through law instead of supreme court rulings like in Colombia and Ecuador.

At least 60% of people in Uruguay support euthanasia, and supporters say the law gives people the right to a humane and peaceful death.

Uruguay is known for its liberal policies, including being one of the first countries in Latin America to legalize same-sex marriage, abortion and cannabis.

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