NM End-of-Life Options Act for Individuals and Families
Learn More
You can learn more about accessing the law and find out about other end-of-life choices on our national partner – Compassion & Choices – New Mexico webpage. You will find tools, resources and information specific to the New Mexico law and that cover a wide range of topics designed to empower and support you in determining your end of life options.
- The Elizabeth Whitefield End-of-Life Options Act: Information for New Mexico Residents
- Frequently Asked Questions: New Mexico’s Elizabeth Whitefield End-of-Life Options Act
- New Mexico: Introduction to Medical Aid In Dying
- Nuevo México: Introducción a la Ayuda Médica Para Morir (Spanish)
- How to Talk to Your Healthcare Provider about Medical Aid in Dying
- Letter to Your Qualified Clinician or Care Provider
Client Support
If you would like assistance with accessing and using the End-of-Life Options Act or would like to know more about medical aid in dying, our new nonprofit organization End of Life Options New Mexico has a group of well-informed volunteers that will work one-on-one with you by answering your questions or referring you to appropriate resources.
Key Principles
- A qualified individual must sign a witnessed request form that is explicit about understanding and requesting medical aid in dying.
- The prognosis must be confirmed by a consulting provider, if the patient is not enrolled in hospice.
- If indicated, a mental health professional consultation is required to assess and affirm mental competency before medications can be prescribed.
- The Act creates a “right to know” about all medically appropriate options available to the qualified individual.
- The Act grants immunity from criminal liability and from professional discipline for all involved as long as they provide reasonable care and in good faith in compliance with the EWEOLO Act.
- No health care provider is required to participate as long as referral information is provided to a requesting individual and records are forwarded.
- The existing New Mexico statute prohibiting assisting suicide is amended to create a clear exception for those who are acting pursuant to the EWEOLO Act.