Uruguay has officially legalized euthanasia, becoming one of the first nations in Latin America, and among a select few globally, to permit assisted suicide.

The landmark decision came Wednesday as the Senate passed the "Dignified Death" bill, with 20 of the 31 senators present voting in favor. The legislation had already cleared the Chamber of Representatives in August.

The vote followed ten hours of intense and emotional debate, which lawmakers described as one of the most challenging discussions in recent memory. While the tone inside the chamber remained largely respectful, the outcome sparked strong reactions, including cries of "murderers" from some observers.

For advocates like Florencia Salgueiro, the moment was deeply personal. She celebrated the bill’s passage, recalling her father’s painful battle with ALS and his unfulfilled wish to end his suffering legally. “I feel relief and joy,” she told AFP.

Uruguay has long been a pioneer in progressive social policies, having previously legalized marijuana, same-sex marriage, and abortion ahead of many other countries. With euthanasia now added to that list, the country continues to chart a liberal course in the region.

The new law permits assisted suicide for mentally competent adults who are either Uruguayan citizens or residents, and who suffer from terminal, incurable illnesses that cause significant distress. A recent poll revealed that over 60% of Uruguayans support the measure, while only 24% oppose it.

The initiative was championed by the leftist Frente Amplio party and faced strong resistance, particularly from religious groups. The Catholic Church expressed "sadness" over the decision, while Uruguay’s Medical Association opted not to take an official stance, leaving the choice to individual physicians.

Personal stories added weight to the debate. Beatriz Gelos, 71, who has lived with ALS for two decades, called the law “compassionate, very humane.” Speaking from her wheelchair, she said critics “have no idea what it’s like to live like this.” Monica Canepa, whose son Pablo is paralyzed by an incurable condition, echoed the sentiment: “Pablo is not living. This is not life.”

Elsewhere in Latin America, Colombia and Ecuador have decriminalized euthanasia through court rulings, though without formal legislation. Cuba allows terminal patients to refuse artificial life support.