New Mexico Legalizes Physician Aid in Dying

Physician plaintiffs and lawyers

Today, New Mexico Second Judicial District Judge Nan Nash ruled that the ability of competent, terminally ill patients to choose aid in dying is a fundamental right under the state constitution. I posted a copy of the order and opinion here.



The court held that competent, terminally ill patients have a fundamental right under the New Mexico Constitution to seek a physician's help in getting prescription medications if they want to end their lives on their own terms



The lawsuit had the support of the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico, Compassion & Choices, and the New Mexico Psychological Association. The plaintiffs argued that assisted suicide and "aid in dying" for terminally ill patients were fundamentally different.



New Mexico now joins Hawaii, Montana, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington.