Illinois Takes a Step: New Law Lets Terminally Ill Choose Their End

Senate Bill 1950, signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker, permits adults with terminal illnesses to request life-ending medication from their doctors. This controversial legislation has sparked intense debate.

Opposition and Concerns

• State Rep. Bill Hauter, a doctor, argues the law undermines patient-doctor trust.
• The Illinois State Medical Society opposes the law, citing ethical concerns.

Support and Advocacy

• Deb Robertson, battling a terminal illness, sees the law as a means to control her end-of-life decisions.
• State Sen. Linda Holmes, the bill's sponsor, refers to it as "Deb's Law."

Safeguards and Requirements

• Two doctors must confirm a terminal diagnosis.
• Patients must make requests both orally and in writing.
• Healthcare providers can opt out due to moral objections.

Broader Context

• Similar laws in states like Oregon have not reported cases of abuse or coercion.
• The long-term impact of the law in Illinois remains to be seen.