Overview

• Senators passed the bill on October 15 with 20 votes in favor out of 31 present after more than ten hours of debate, following lower-house approval on August 13 by 64 of 99 deputies.
• The law permits euthanasia for mentally competent adults who are citizens or residents facing a terminal, incurable or irreversible condition or unbearable suffering with severe deterioration of quality of life.
• Requests must be written and revocable, initially assessed by a treating physician within three days, and confirmed by an independent second doctor within five days or a medical board if there is disagreement.
• All providers in the National Integrated Health System must ensure access to the service, and physicians may claim conscientious objection but must refer patients to willing practitioners.
• Public opinion polling shows about 62% support, while critics including the Catholic Church and civil groups such as Prudência Uruguai warn of insufficient safeguards and limited guarantees for palliative care.