Overview
- The bill would allow mentally capable adults with a terminal diagnosis of six months or less to obtain a prescription they can self-administer to end their lives.
- Safeguards include confirmation by two physicians, mental competency assessments, a waiting period with multiple requests, written documentation witnessed by two people, and explicit opt-outs for clinicians and pharmacies.
- The Senate approved the amended SB 1950 in a narrow 30–27 vote around 3 a.m. after attaching the policy to a food-preparation sanitation bill, drawing criticism over timing and transparency.
- Supporters such as Compassion & Choices and the ACLU of Illinois urged a prompt signature, while the Catholic Conference of Illinois, disability advocates, and some medical groups called for a veto.
- If enacted, Illinois would join 11 states and Washington, D.C., that permit medical aid in dying, and the law would take effect nine months after the governor’s signature.