A DISTRICT JUDGE IN ALBUQUERQUE SAYS STATE LAW PROVIDES A FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT TO A TERMINALLY ILL, COMPETENT PATIENT TO CHOOSE A DOCTOR'S HELP IN GETTING MEDICATION TO ALLOW FOR A PEACEFUL DEATH.
THE CASE CENTERED AROUND A CANCER PATIENT AND TWO DOCTORS FROM UNM. LAURA SCHAUER (SHOWER) IVES IS WITH THE NEW MEXICO ACLU WHICH BROUGHT THE CASE. SHE SAYS IT'S A PERSONAL AND INTIMATE DECISION FOR TERMINALLY ILL PATIENTS AT THE END OF THEIR LIVES.
IN MAKING HER RULING, JUDGE NAN NASH SAYS THE DOCTORS CANNOT BE PROSECUTED UNDER NEW MEXICO'S ASSISTED SUICIDE LAW.
