THE PROBLEM

New Mexico’s healthcare system is in crisis. Doctors are leaving the state, access to timely care is shrinking, and too many New Mexicans are forced to seek treatment elsewhere—an option not everyone can afford.

New Mexico needs medical malpractice reform. We need doctors to come and stay!

In recent years, medical malpractice reform proposals in New Mexico have repeatedly stalled or failed, raising public concern about whether existing disclosure and recusal standards are sufficient when legislators with direct professional interests in malpractice litigation or related advocacy participate in the legislative process.

Disclosure alone is not enough when:

• legislators earn income from medical malpractice or civil trial practice, or
• legislators participate in national or statewide lobbying or advocacy related to tort law.

In those cases, recusal is the appropriate safeguard.

Recusal is not punishment. It is a standard ethical practice used to protect the integrity of decision-making.

OUR REQUEST

We respectfully ask President Pro Tempore Mimi Stewart to lead by:

1. Requiring mandatory recusal on medical malpractice legislation
Any legislator should be required to recuse themselves from voting, committee action, or procedural decisions on medical malpractice legislation if they:

• practice or derive income from medical malpractice or plaintiffs’ tort litigation; or
• engage in organized lobbying, advocacy, or national policy efforts related to tort or malpractice law.

2. Applying the standard fairly and prospectively
This request is not about past votes or individuals. It is about establishing a clear, forward-looking rule that applies equally to all lawmakers.

3. Restoring public trust in the Legislature
New Mexicans deserve laws made in the public interest — not under the shadow of personal or professional conflicts. 

SIGN THE PETITION

We urge President Pro Tempore Mimi Stewart to act now to strengthen ethics and transparency in New Mexico’s Legislature.

Sign this petition to support fair lawmaking, ethical governance, and patient-first policy in New Mexico. We all deserve timely access to quality care.