Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has signed a bill that will allow terminally ill Illinois residents to end their lives with physician-prescribed medication. A state report says the law will only apply to mentally capable adults who have been determined by doctors to have less than six months to live, and patients must have sign-off from two physicians and pass a mental evaluation to ensure that they’re not being forced into their decision.
The controversial bill overcame strong opposition from religious groups and some disability rights advocates who feared it could endanger Illinoisans with disabilities. Some critics called the practice “assisted suicide” while those who support the law say it is not suicide, but rather an option that can bring comfort and dignity to already dying people. The law is set to take effect in September of 2026.
Illinois becomes the 13th state to authorize the end-of-life option.