In regional first, Uruguay passes legislation permitting euthanasia

[ad_1] Uruguay on Wednesday legalised euthanasia, turning into one of many first nations in Latin America and amongst a dozen worldwide to permit assisted suicide.

The small South American nation has an extended historical past of passing socially liberal legal guidelines, legalising marijuana, same-sex marriage and abortion lengthy earlier than most others.

On Wednesday, euthanasia was added to the checklist with the Senate approving the so-called "Dignified Dying" invoice, garnering 20 votes in favour out of a complete of 31 legislators current, passing a legislation accepted by the decrease Chamber of Representatives in August.

The vote got here after 10 hours of debate on a problem a number of lawmakers known as "essentially the most tough."

The dialogue was largely respectful and sometimes emotional, although some onlookers watching the talk cried out "murderers" after the vote handed.

Elsewhere in Latin America, courts in Colombia and Ecuador have decriminalised euthanasia with out passing legal guidelines to legalise the apply, whereas Cuba permits for terminal sufferers to refuse being stored alive artificially.

Learn extra Ecuador's prime courtroom decriminalises euthanasia following lawsuit by terminally ailing affected person

An initiative of the ruling leftist Frente Amplio, the laws lastly handed after a years-long battle, with fierce opposition primarily among the many spiritual proper.

A latest ballot confirmed greater than 60 % of Uruguayans assist authorized euthanasia, with solely 24 % opposed.

The invoice permits assisted suicide for grownup Uruguayan residents or residents who're mentally competent and within the terminal stage of an incurable illness that causes them struggling.

Uruguayan Beatriz Gelos, a 71-year-old who has battled neurodegenerative ALS for 20 years, informed AFP the legislation was "compassionate, very humane."