Illinois has become the latest US state to legalize the right for residents to seek assistance in ending their own lives, following the approval of a new law by Governor JB Pritzker on Friday, December 12.
The newly enacted Medical Aid and Dying Bill permits adults diagnosed with a terminal illness and given a prognosis of less than six months to obtain a prescription from their doctor to end their lives.
This medication must be self-administered by the individual, but some critics in Illinois have expressed concerns over potential dangers.
The legislation includes safeguards requiring two doctors to confirm the six-month prognosis, ensure the patient is mentally competent, and that they are informed of all available palliative and hospice care options.
Additionally, the bill criminalizes coercing someone to request a fatal prescription or forging such a prescription, as per a government press release.
The legislation is named ‘Debs Law’ in honor of Deb Robertson, a terminally ill advocate who has passionately fought for the residents of Illinois to have the right to choose the end-of-life option.
The impactful testimonies of Robertson and others enduring terminal conditions have been pivotal in convincing lawmakers to advance the bill.
Governor JB Pritzker emphasized the influence of these compelling testimonies in his decision to ratify the bill into law, highlighting their bravery and the urgent need for the legislation.
Following the signing, Pritzker stated: “Today, Illinois honors their strength and courage by enacting legislation that enables patients faced with debilitating terminal illnesses to make a decision, in consultation with a doctor, that helps them avoid unnecessary pain and suffering at the end of their lives.”
However, critics of the legislation caution that it could have adverse effects on vulnerable populations.
Amber Smock from Access Living commented: “Illinois is already a state where people with disabilities have some of the least amount of services, the least amount of quality supports to live in the community.
“What people with disabilities want is the right to live, not just a right to die.”
According to The Independent, the Catholic Conference of Illinois has expressed concern that the law could lead the state down a “dangerous and heartbreaking path”, advocating instead for investments in comprehensive end-of-life support such as palliative care and pain management.
Despite pushback from religious and disability rights groups, the right to assisted dying continues to gain traction across the nation. With Governor Pritzker’s signature, Illinois became the 12th jurisdiction, including Washington DC, to legalize euthanasia.
Currently, 11 other states have enacted similar assisted dying laws, with Oregon pioneering the movement in 1997.
Families in Illinois affected by terminal illnesses have expressed support for the new law. Suzy Flack, a local resident, recounted her son Andrew’s distressing experience of having to travel to California due to terminal cancer, ultimately passing away far from home.
“I think it’s something that will benefit all,” she said (via ABC News). “He desperately wanted to live, and he fought for many, many years to keep going, and eventually, it just became too much, too much pain.”
Starting September 12 next year, individuals over the age of 18 in Illinois diagnosed with a terminal illness will have the option to request a life-ending prescription from their physician.