After Legislating Abortion-Ganja, Uruguay Passes Law Allowing Euthanasia Suicide

Illustration of the Uruguay flag. (Pixabay)

Uruguay legalized euthanasia, the process of ending the life of someone suffering from serious illness, after local parliament passed a bill (RUU) on euthanasia.

The policy makes Uruguay one of the first countries in Latin America to allow suicide assistance.

This small South American country has a long history of passing social liberal laws. Previously, Uruguay legalized marijuana, same-sex marriage, and abortion.

The Uruguayan People's Representative Low Council had previously approved the draft stipulation.

After being brought to parliament, as many as 20 of the 31 Uruguayan MPs who attended voted to approve the bill into law.

Voting in parliament came after 10 hours of debate over issues that some lawmakers called "most difficult."

The cross-section between lawmakers was marked by emotional attitudes, although some of the audiences who watched the debate chanted "challengers" after the vote was passed.

"I feel relieved and happy," Florencia Salgueiro told AFP after celebrating in the gallery with other euthanasia supporters.

If you need consultation assistance to overcome the problem of depression, mental stress or mental health. Including knowing or seeing people who want to commit suicide, you are welcome to contact the hotline of the Indonesian Ministry of Health's emergency service facilities (Kemenkes) at number 119.