Uruguay’s Lower House approved a Dignified Death Law legalizing euthanasia for those who face specific forms of terminal illness early Wednesday morning. Almost the entirety of the Frente Amplio (FA) bloc, along with sponsors of the initiative from the Colorado Party (PC), voted in favor of the legislation.

After eight years of debate and several draft bills, the Chamber of Deputies finally approved the Dignified Death Law with the backing of 64 of the 93 legislators present for the vote. The FA unanimously supported the legislation, while the opposition, including both the PC and the National Party (PN), was divided. Among the parties that voted against the law were Cabildo Abierto (CA) and Identidad Soberana (IS).

The bill states that people with terminal, incurable, and irreversible illnesses can opt for assisted suicide if they provide express and repeated consent. The bill will now move to the Senate, where the ruling party has the majority. The initiative was reintroduced earlier this year after a joint push by FA and PC. 

Frente Amplio debunks “myths” about euthanasia 

Representative Luis Gallo from the ruling party questioned the arguments against passing the legislation, claiming that “the first myth is that Uruguayan society does not want euthanasia.” The second, he added, is suggesting euthanasia jeopardizes palliative care “because the two complement each other.”

After reading messages from several patients, Gallo argued that “those who oppose [euthanasia] do so with a conviction that goes beyond any regulations or articles we might implement.” 

“The issue is whether we are willing to incorporate into our regulations every person’s right to decide about the end of their life,” he added.

“I understand the different ideological, religious, philosophical, moral, and ethical perspectives that coexist in this chamber and enrich it,” Gallo continued. “I ask that each of you, in your innermost thoughts, analyze in depth, responsibly, and sensitively what kind of response we will give to our citizens.”

The National Party raises concerns

For the National Party’s Andrés Grezzi, the law is a misnomer. “[The bill] isn’t being called by its name,” he argued. “It’s euthanasia, not a dignified death.” 

Grezzi took particular exception with the fact that the legislation provided “no guarantees” to the patients it aims to protect. “That is why we ask the deputies, even if they vote in favor of this law, to allow us to introduce an article that provides more guarantees,” he added.

In addition to these proposed changes, Grezzi noted that legalizing euthanasia would repeal “a very important article” of the Code of Medical Ethics. The deputy also questioned the lack of participation of health professionals in the writing of the legislation.

Finally, Grezzi argued that passing such a law would “transform the social imagination.” 

“When the state makes death an option, it ceases to be the unconditional guarantor of care,” he said. 

He also stated that the bill “affects the most vulnerable, who could begin to feel moral or economic pressure to justify their right to continue living.”

Orsi lends his support

For his part, President Yamandú Orsi expressed his support for the euthanasia bill, which will now be voted on in the Senate. 

“It’s an initiative that wasn’t born in our party but rather in one of the parties of the multi-color coalition,” he told the press on Monday, acknowledging that the bill also has the support of FA.

“The bill raises complex philosophical, ideological, and scientific questions,” he noted, adding that he supports it “so long as extreme care and safeguards are taken.” 

“The discussion process has been very productive, and the changes that have occurred are very necessary,” he added.

With information from Ámbito Uruguay