Mexico City, March 23, 2026 – The Advance Directive has become a crucial legal instrument in Mexico City, ensuring that individuals can proactively decide on the medical treatments they wish to receive-or reject-in the final stages of their lives. Throughout 2026, this procedure has gained increased visibility due to institutional strategies aimed at facilitating access, including making it free for specific population groups.
Health Authorities Emphasize Legal and Emotional Support
Health authorities in the capital have stressed that this mechanism not only provides legal backing but also prevents families from facing complex decisions during critical moments. In this regard, special campaigns have been promoted where the document can be processed free of charge, primarily in public notaries and hospital units, subject to certain conditions.
What is an Advance Directive and what is its function?
It is a legal document in which a person freely and informedly states whether they accept or reject medical treatments that prolong their life in the event of suffering from a terminal or irreversible illness.
This resource allows for the establishment of guidelines on palliative care, the appointment of a representative to enforce the decision, and the avoidance of therapeutic obstinacy, meaning interventions that prolong life without improving its quality.
Unlike euthanasia-a practice not permitted in Mexico-the Advance Directive focuses on safeguarding the patient’s dignity and their right to decide on their medical care without directly intervening to cause death.
How to Process and When is it Free in Mexico City?
The process can be carried out under two main schemes:
- Notarial document: Prepared preventatively before a public notary, without the need for the person to be ill.
- Form in health institutions: Processed free of charge when the patient has a serious or terminal diagnosis, directly in public or private hospitals.
In both cases, it is necessary to be of legal age, present official identification, designate a representative, and sign the document in the presence of witnesses.
According to the Ministry of Health of Mexico City, the procedure is free during specific campaigns in public notaries for people over 65, as part of institutional agreements.
For 2026, this benefit will remain valid until April 30 in participating notaries in the capital, aimed at this demographic group.
Once the free period concludes and until December 31, 2026, preferential rates have been set: 750 pesos plus VAT for people over 65 and 1,600 pesos plus VAT for the rest of Mexico City residents.
It should be noted that the form available in hospitals remains free throughout the year, provided the patient meets the required medical criteria.
Importance and Scope of the Advance Directive
Mexico City was one of the first entities to recognize this right since 2008, positioning it as a national benchmark in matters of dignified death and palliative care.
Authorities seek to expand the number of people who formalize this document, as it facilitates anticipated decision-making, reduces potential family conflicts, and ensures that medical care adheres to the patient’s wishes.
Source: https://www.informador.mx/mexico/voluntad-anticipada-que-es-y-hasta-cuando-sera-gratis-el-tramite-en-cdmx-20260323-0177.html
