Medical Aid in Dying Authorized in New Mexico

Fellow Villagers,

It is my great pleasure to let you know that on April 8th, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed HB 47, the Elizabeth Whitefield End-of-Life Options Act, which will go into effect on June 18, 2021.

New Mexico joins 9 other states and the District of Columbia to enable this additional end-of-life option for its citizens. Now more than 20% of the US population enjoys this compassionate choice which brings a peaceful death for those who qualify and choose this option to end their suffering. But perhaps as importantly, evidence shows that medical aid in dying brings peace of mind to millions of seriously ill and dying patients who know that they need not suffer if things go badly towards the end. Data also shows that where it has been authorized medical aid in dying leads to more advanced care planning, greater use of palliative care, and earlier hospice. These enhanced elements build upon our right to self-determination in order to achieve the kind of death we seek — whatever that may be.

Our statewide NM End-of-Life Options Coalition is already taking steps to incorporate as a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation so that we can build a sustainable organization to assist the implementation of our new law and provide needed support to individuals, families, clinicians, and health care agencies/institutions.

So stayed tuned

I will keep you updated as things develop. Let Ann know if you’d like to set up a webinar at villagesofsantafe@gmail.com or perhaps later in the fall an in-person training about medical aid in dying (I’m generally the optimist! 😷). In the meantime, feel free to email me at barakwolff@msn.com if you have questions or would like to set up a phone chat about end-of-life issues or options.

Barak

(505) 988-2333