SPRINGFIELD – A bill has passed both Illinois chambers that would allow doctors to prescribe aid-in-dying medication to people who have a terminal disease.
State Sen. Laura Ellman, D-Naperville, introduced the bill in February, and it passed the Senate on Oct. 31, meaning it now goes to Gov. JB Pritzker's desk for decision.
Here’s what to know.
What would the bill do, if signed into law?
If signed into law, the End-of-Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients
Act, also known as Deb’s Law, would allow doctors to prescribe a lethal dose of medication that patients could self-administer at a time of their choosing.
The end-of-life option would be for terminally ill people who want to “retain their autonomy and some level of control over the progression of the disease as they near the end of life or to ease unnecessary pain and suffering.”
The bill specifies that the prescription would only be for adults with "the mental capacity to make medical decisions."
Why is it called Deb’s law?
The bill cites a story about Deb Robertson, “a lifelong Illinois resident who has been living with a rare form of terminal illness, who wants to live but knows that she is going to die.”
Robertson has publicly advocated to change Illinois’ law because she wants to be able to die peacefully at home.
How is terminal disease defined?
According to the bill, terminal disease means "an incurable and irreversible disease that will, within reasonable medical judgment, result in death within six months."
A patient's physician would determine the existence of the terminal disease, and another physician would concur it in writing in the patient's medical record.
Where else is this legal?
Such procedures are legal in 10 states and the District of Columbia. A similar bill awaits decision in New York by Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Springfield Bishop pushes back on bill
Springfield Bishop Thomas Paprocki made a statement about the legislation, saying that "physician assisted suicide undermines the value of each person, especially the vulnerable, the poor, and those with disabilities. Pray for Gov. Pritzker to reject this legislation. Illinois should be a state that offers compassion, care, and hope—not death—as the answer to human suffering."
