In February, Illinois joined other states in meeting the requests of physicians and patients to legalize medical aid in dying.
Surveys show 71% of Illinois residents support this compassionate “right to die” legislation, also known as “death with dignity” would allow adults age 18 and older with the mental ability to make their own decisions to choose to die peacefully in their sleep when they have 6 months or less to live and their suffering becomes unbearable.
The state of Oregon led the way in legalizing medical aid in dying 25 years ago and because of specific requirements for qualification for the aid, which includes the guidance and approval of a medical doctor, there have been no incidents of misuse. For those with terminal illnesses where end-of-life suffering can be unbearable, this legislation will provide needed peace of mind.
The Illinois Right-to-Die law has been named “The Illinois End-of-Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act, Senate Bill 3499. The legislation follows best practices that the Oregon legislation successfully implemented, including these requirements to qualify:
- 18-years of age or older
- Terminally ill with a prognosis of 6-months or less to live
- Mentally capable of making an informed healthcare decision
- Ability to self-administer the medication
- 2 Physicians confirming the terminal illness and mental capability
- Life Insurance policies cannot be denied to the families of those who use the law
- Unused medication must be disposed according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency guidelines
In addition, as the terminally ill person controls administration of the medication, they can withdraw their request for medication at any time or simply decide not to take it if they change their mind later.
As this bill marches through the state legislature, you may contact your Illinois State Representative and State Senators to advocate for SB 3499.
February, 2024: Bill introduced
Next Steps: Pass Senate Committee, Pass Senate Floor Vote, Passe House Committee, Pass House
Floor Vote: Governor Signs into Law
For those with certain terminal illnesses, such as a brain tumor, the final days can be more than horrendous without medical aid in dying. Learn more from Barbara Coombs-Lee, R.N., Physician’s Assistant and Attorney (impressive credentials), in this Ted Talk.
Dan Diaz spoke at Chicago Ideas Week before the pandemic sharing the promise he had made to his wife, Brittany Maynard. She was diagnosed with a brain tumor shortly after their marriage and they had to relocate to Oregon to give her comfort that she would be supported at the end of her life from the agonizing pain brain tumors illicit as they slowly kill you. He was successful in helping the right-to-die legislation be passed in California.
Compassion and Choices is the end-of-life non-profit anyone with a terminal illness or supporting a loved one who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness can turn to for support and to monitor and advocate for compassionate end-of-life legislation.
Illinois residents may advocate for this legislation by:
Call your State Senator: 217-782-2000
E-mail your State Senator here
Write your State Representative or Senator a letter or postcard, find their address here
