Illinois Grants Right to Die: Medical Aid in Dying Law Signed

Illinois has enacted a new law permitting medical aid in dying for terminally ill residents, with Governor JB Pritzker signing the measure into effect. This significant legislation, officially titled the Medical Aid in Dying Act, will be implemented starting September 2026, allowing ample time for developing stringent processes and protections. The law is affectionately known as "Deb's Law," in honor of Deb Robertson, a patient advocate who championed the cause.

Pritzker emphasized the importance of freedom and choice at the end of life, stating the law will be thoughtfully implemented to ensure physicians can guide patients with authority and empathy. To qualify, patients must be 18 or older, possess confirmed mental capacity for medical decisions, and have an illness with a prognosis of six months or less, as verified by two physicians. They must also be informed of all end-of-life care options, such as hospice or palliative care, and both oral and written requests must originate from the patient directly.

While hailed by proponents as a crucial option for those suffering unbearable pain, the law has drawn criticism from religious and advocacy groups. The Catholic Conference of Illinois expressed deep concern, arguing that the state should focus on enhancing palliative care and pain management rather than "normalizing killing oneself." Similar sentiments were echoed by organizations like the Patients Rights Action Fund, which voiced worries about vulnerable populations being steered towards conversations about death instead of receiving adequate care and support.