Uruguay’s Senate has passed a law decriminalizing euthanasia, making it the first predominantly Catholic Latin American country to legalize the practice through legislation.

The law allows seriously ill patients experiencing “unbearable suffering” to seek euthanasia performed by a healthcare professional, with no time limits or mandatory waiting periods, though mental competence must be confirmed by two doctors.

The bill, supported by the ruling Broad Front coalition, faced opposition mainly from the Catholic Church, but secularization has weakened resistance in the socially liberal nation.

Uruguay already has a history of progressive reforms, having legalized recreational marijuana, same-sex marriage, and abortion in recent years, CBS News has reported.

Unlike some other countries, the law does not permit euthanasia for minors or assisted dying where patients self-administer medication.