Oct. 16 (UPI) -- Following 10 hours of debate, Uruguay legalized euthanasia after Senate approval of the Dignified Death bill. The country took its first step toward legalization when the House of Representatives passed the measure in August.
The new law recognizes and regulates the "right to experience the dying process with dignity" and, to that end, decriminalizes euthanasia under strict conditions through a regulated procedure, after five years since the bill was introduced.
With the approval Wednesday, Uruguay becomes the first country in Latin America to legalize euthanasia through parliamentary legislation. In the region, only Colombia and Ecuador allow the practice under court rulings, but without specific laws.
The bill passed the Senate 20-11, supported by the ruling Broad Front party, the Colorado Party and National Party Sen. Graciela Bianchi.
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