I was recently introduced to a 16 yr female with a 2 yr old child. The father is not in the picture anymore. She is independent and working to support her child. I am interested in her and would like to know if consensual sex is legal, being that she already has a child. I am older and not a minor and am a single father myself. Nothing has yet happened, but if the occasion arises, I'd like to know the laws. We live in New Mexico.
Thank you.

Well I don't think the persons maturity is taken into consideration, but the age of consent in New Mexico is 17 according to a few sites so you may have problems if someone finds out

Age of Consensual Sex in the USA

Just a random site, but googling age of consent, New Mexico will give you the answer from other sites too

Since she has a child and is independently supporting him/her, she has probably been emancipated and therefore not subject to the usual statutory rape laws, etc. But check with a legal professional to be sure. If worse comes to worst, just wait two years, then you have nothing to worry about.

Actually, She does live on her own, whether she is legally emancipated, I don't know. Haven't wanted to ask her. But that brings up a good point to consider. I know her mother has passed away since she was five and her father kicked her out when she got pregnant three years ago. Been on her own since. Thanks.

I don't think her status as a parent changes the age of consent issue. Wait until she is 17 for sex.

Honeslty, if you are having to ask this question, that's kind of a red flag. I would wait until you know without asking, that it is legal. You are both single parents and another baby probably wouldn't be great for you two right now. I would wait at LEAST till she is 17. If you really like her, and are acutally interested in HER, this shouldn't be a problem.