Church leaders in Uruguay and Argentina have released strong statements opposing assisted suicide in response to moves to allow the procedure.

Cardenal Daniel Sturla, archbishop of Montevideo, Uruguay, spoke about the matter in his Christmas message, supporting “the defense of life from conception to natural death,” and rejected any “action that searches for death.” The message comes as the Uruguayan parliament debate issues related to palliative care and euthanasia.

In neighboring Argentina, a project to legalise euthanasia called “Good Death” was presented by three legislators last November.

Argentina’s Council for Religious Freedom released a statement criticizing the project.

“Though recognizing that there are differences among us, there’s ample consensus among religious confessions about the eminent dignity of all human beings, healthy or sick, and of the duty to respect, honor and care for life, as [religions] generally value as a fight from God,” the council said.

The statement also describes the project of “Good Death” as the “facilitation of assisted suicide and the elimination of patients with chronic deceases, including children and people with restricted capacities.”