The Latin Evangelical Alliance (AEL) strongly condemned Uruguay’s newly approved euthanasia law, calling it a “measure against the gift of life” and appealing to Christians across Latin America to stand firm in defense of life “from conception to its natural end.”
Uruguay’s Senate passed the law by a vote of 20 to 11 on October 15, 2025, making the country the first country in Latin America to legalize euthanasia through parliamentary approval. The decision follows approval by the House of Commons in August and has been described by secular media as an “unprecedented step in the region”. AEL reacted quickly after the vote, reflecting growing tensions between national policy, Christian ethics, and civil society.
In a statement titled “Declaration of Rejection of the Law Legalizing Euthanasia in Uruguay”, the alliance expressed its “rejection” of the law, which it considers to undermine the sanctity of life. The group said it believes the bill is part of a broader cultural trend that is eroding society’s moral foundations. “We call on churches and leaders to speak out,” the statement said, stressing that believers should not remain passive in the face of laws that contradict their biblical beliefs.
The new law had been the subject of long political debate. When the bill passed the House of Representatives in August with 64 votes in favor and 29 against, Uruguay was already on track to become the first Latin American country to legislate assisted dying. The Senate’s final approval ended months of controversy but opened a new front of opposition from faith communities.
Opponents of the bill argue that human life is an inalienable gift and should not be intentionally terminated. They point to palliative care as a compassionate and ethical alternative to end-of-life suffering. AEL emphasized this position in a statement, arguing that all human beings have “intrinsic dignity” and that “the deliberate termination of life by the state” sets a dangerous precedent.
The alliance warned that Uruguay’s approval of the law could lead to Uruguay’s so-called “culture of death,” contrary to Christian values centered on life, family and compassion. They reaffirmed their determination to promote public policies that strengthen palliative care and provide dignified support to those suffering, rather than accelerating death.
Headquartered in Paraguay, the Latin Evangelical Alliance represents 23 national evangelical councils across the Americas and Spain. It describes itself as the unified voice of evangelical churches on social and ethical issues affecting the region. The statement on Uruguay’s law strengthens that mission and represents one of the strongest public positions the Alliance has taken in recent years.
AEL’s declaration also cited case law that goes beyond theology. Referring to the 2024 judgment by the European Court of Human Rights, the Alliance noted that the court reaffirmed that there is no “right to assisted suicide” under international law. This is an argument used to show that the Alliance’s position is based not only on faith but also on legal reasoning.
AEL’s position is consistent with previous declarations by evangelical leaders in Uruguay. The Evangelical Representative Council of Uruguay (CREU) previously said: “A firm no to euthanasia. No to accelerating the process of death.” Their opposition reflects consistent Christian concerns that legalizing euthanasia undermines both the value of human life and the duty of moral care to those who suffer.
Once this law comes into force, the Uruguayan executive branch will need to draft regulations for its implementation. However, AEL’s statement suggests that this transition will not be without resistance. Evangelical churches in Uruguay and across Latin America are expected to take a more active role in shaping public debate on bioethics and social issues, positioning themselves as champions of life and dignity.
For states, new laws pose complex challenges, requiring them to balance individual autonomy with deep moral and religious opposition from large sections of society. For evangelicals, this debate is both a challenge and an opportunity to reaffirm their social witness and participate in public life with new beliefs.
The passage of Uruguay’s euthanasia law and the reaction it provoked highlights a broader trend in Latin America in which questions about end of life, medical ethics and faith increasingly intersect with politics and law. As debate continues across the region, AEL’s statement serves as both a protest and a rallying cry, affirming the belief that the defense of life remains central to the evangelical witness in a changing moral landscape.
Original text by Diario Cristiano, Spanish edition of Christian Daily International.
