The questions people ask us most.

Yes. The Elizabeth Whitefield End-of-Life Options Act took effect June 18, 2021. It allows a mentally capable, terminally ill adult resident of New Mexico with a prognosis of six months or less to request medication they may choose to self-administer to bring about a peaceful death.

Medical aid in dying is a legal medical practice available only to adults who are already dying of a terminal illness. The person makes the choice themselves, with clinical confirmation of their capacity and prognosis. It is not for emotional or mental-health crisis. If you are in crisis, please call or text 988 — help is available right now.

Two qualified New Mexico clinicians — at least one a physician (MD or DO) — independently confirm your terminal prognosis, your capacity to make the decision, and your ability to take the medication yourself. New Mexico allows nurse practitioners and physician assistants to participate, which helps us reach patients across the state.

New Mexico requires only a single request and a 48-hour waiting period before the pharmacy dispenses (and that wait can be shortened when someone has very little time). Once eligibility is confirmed, the process can move in days. Reaching out sooner gives everyone room to proceed gently.

Yes. New Mexico's law permits telehealth under the standard of care, so we can serve patients anywhere in the state — including rural areas far from a participating clinician — alongside in-person visits.

No. Many people find deep comfort simply in having the choice, and never use the prescription. The decision remains entirely yours, up to the very end.

If you choose not to use it, the medication should never be kept indefinitely at home or thrown in the trash — it contains controlled ingredients. We help your family return any unused medication safely to an authorized pharmacy or drug take-back program, with proper documentation, so nothing is left unaccounted for. If you are in hospice, your hospice team's disposal policy can also handle this.

The first conversation is free. New Mexico Medicaid covers the medication itself, and the medical visits and hospice are often covered as well. Our service fee is for coordination and support; we offer a sliding scale and a hardship fund so no one who qualifies is turned away for lack of means. See our Costs & assistance page.

No. Under New Mexico law, the death certificate lists the underlying terminal illness as the cause of death, not the aid-in-dying medication.

Absolutely, if you wish. We support families throughout — in the decision, at the bedside if you choose, and with bereavement resources afterward. This is one of the reasons we exist.

We'll tell you honestly, and we'll point you toward palliative care, hospice, or other support that fits. Our goal is your peace of mind — not a particular outcome.