MEXICO – Advancing the legalization of medical assistance in dying
01 July 2026
Guest article by Asunción Álvarez*
Since last year, the issue of legalizing medical assistance in dying has maintained a sustained presence in Mexico’s public debate. Although the topic had surfaced periodically in the past, it had never remained in the spotlight for such an extended period.
The case of Samara Martínez
Much of this renewed attention is due to Samara Martínez, a young woman living with serious medical conditions, including chronic kidney failure and lupus. While she is not seeking to end her life now, she knows that her illnesses may eventually subject her to extremely difficult living conditions. Faced with this reality, she decided to advocate for the recognition of medical assistance in dying for people who, because of the suffering caused by an incurable illness, wish to end their lives.
Despite her fragile health, Samara has become a tireless activist and has gained the support of thousands of people, especially young adults. Her story reminds us that severe illness, dying and death are not confined to old age. It has also encouraged many people to recognize that any of us – and those closest to us – could one day wish for the freedom to decide how and when our lives will end, and the medical assistance necessary to do so safely and without exposing others to criminal liability. Her proposal, known as the “Ley Trasciende”, which would apply at the federal level, is currently before the Senate and it is expected to be discussed in Parliament when legislative sessions resume in September.
The Libertad para Morir (LPM) campaign
In June, the nonprofit organisation Libertad para Morir (LPM) launched a signature-gathering campaign to support a citizen initiative seeking to legalize medical assistance in dying in Mexico City. Founded in 2023, the organization aims to make this option part of the legal framework governing end-of-life decisions in order to fully realise the right to a dignified death. In other words, in addition to the legally recognized right to refuse medical treatment and to receive palliative care, individuals should be able to self-determinedly end their life with assistance when they suffer from a serious and incurable illness that causes intolerable physical or psychological suffering.
LPM chose to launch this campaign in Mexico City because its legal team believes that successful reform is more likely to begin at the local level before expanding to other states of the country. A similar path was followed in the case of abortion rights. Mexico City has long been distinguished by its progressive, secular, inclusive, and humanistic tradition, as well as its commitment to individual freedoms. It is no coincidence that its Constitution recognizes the right to a dignified death as an extension of the right to a dignified life.
The proposed legislation
The proposed legislation would allow adults with decision-making capacity to request medical assistance in dying. It establishes a medical evaluation process that includes information about available alternatives, such as palliative care, without requiring individuals to pursue those options. Request must be made on two separate occasions, may be withdrawn at any time, and must include an additional review to prevent abuse. Eligibility is not limited to terminal illness but extends to intolerable physical, psychological, or emotional suffering resulting from a serious and incurable condition with no prospect of improvement.
Both, medical assistance with ending life by own action of the individual, as well as having medical personnel administer life-ending medications at the person’s request, are considered in the proposal, it guarantees free access through public healthcare institutions, provides legal protection for healthcare professionals acting in accordance with the law, and recognizes conscientious objection only on an individual basis.
Signature collection in Mexico City and a court petition
To be formally submitted to the Mexico City Congress in September, the initiative must obtain the support of 0.25 percent of registered voters – just under 20,000 signatures. Support is being collected through the National Electoral Institute’s “Apoyo Ciudadano” application, and the campaign will conclude on July 31. We invite all residents of Mexico City to help gather the signatures necessary to bring about this change. As our slogan states, deciding when to die is also part of living .
All supporting information, such as details about the initiative and a video guide on how to sign, is available at libertadparamorir.com.mx.
A recent judicial development has added further momentum to the debate. On June 17, Mexico’s Supreme Court agreed to review an amparo petition[1] filed by a person diagnosed with cancer, challenging the prohibition of medically assisted dying. The petition asks the Court to declare the relevant provisions unconstitutional on the grounds that individuals’ autonomy to decide how and when to end their lives deserves constitutional protection.
These legislative and judicial efforts share a common objective: expanding freedom of choice over the end of one’s life and ensuring that no one is forced to endure suffering they consider intolerable. Those of us involved in these efforts support one another, convinced that, in the end, we will succeed in securing recognition of this fundamental freedom.
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*Asunción Álvarez is President of Libertad para Morir A.C. and President of the World Federation of Right to Die Societies
[1] A judicial action to protect an individual or individuals from the acts or omissions of the authorities that violate the human rights and guarantees protected by the Mexican Constitution.
