Uruguay: Orsi promulgates the euthanasia law
Until the regulatory framework is decreed, euthanasia procedures cannot be carried out
President Yamandú Orsi promulgated the “Death with Dignity” law, also known as the euthanasia law. The Uruguayan Executive Branch now has 180 days to prepare the decree that will officially regulate the application of the law.
“The objective of this law is to regulate and guarantee people’s right to die with dignity”, states article 1. “Any person of legal age, mentally competent, who is in the terminal phase of an incurable and irreversible disease, or who, as a result of incurable and irreversible diseases or health problems, suffers intolerable suffering, in all cases with a serious and progressive deterioration in their quality of life, has the right, at their request and through the procedure established in this law, to submit to euthanasia so that their death occurs in a painless, peaceful and dignified manner”, states article 2.
However, there will be no euthanasia tourism, as the measure only applies to Uruguayan citizens and legal resident foreigners.
The law establishes a rigorous and multi-phase process for anyone requesting medically assisted death: the patient must present the request in person and in writing to a doctor, who must confirm that the patient meets the clinical and psychological conditions defined in article 2 and verify that the expressed will is free, serious and firm.
Once eligibility is confirmed, the request must be forwarded to a second independent physician, who must personally consult with the patient and review their medical history within five days.
If both doctors do not agree, a Medical Board – made up of three professionals, including a psychiatrist and a specialist in the patient’s pathology – must issue a final opinion within an additional period of five days.
If the initial doctor rejects the request, the patient has the right to immediately request a second opinion.
Until the regulatory framework is established, euthanasia procedures cannot be carried out.
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