Guanajuato reports low use of advance directive laws

In Guanajuato, Mexico, approximately 200 terminally ill patients have utilized the Advance Will Law to decide on medical treatments to avoid prolonging life through invasive means. Despite the law having been in effect for over 14 years, officials noted low utilization rates.

Jorge Jiménez Lona, the Secretary of Government, highlighted the “Testamento de la Gente” campaign, which offers discounts on wills and sometimes includes free processing for advance directive documents through various notaries. The legislation, which took effect in January 2012, allows individuals with full mental capacity to formally reject medical treatments that would only serve to prolong life in cases of incurable and irreversible terminal illness.