Overview
- The Senate approved the bill 30-27 at about 3 a.m., advancing legislation that cleared the House earlier in the year.
- Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he did not expect the vote and is examining the proposal while noting the suffering of terminally ill residents.
- If signed, the law would take effect nine months later, according to supporters and recent coverage.
- The measure would allow mentally capable adults with about six months to live to obtain a physician-prescribed, self-administered life-ending medication after medical and mental-health evaluations, multiple requests and witness attestations.
- Supporters including the ACLU of Illinois and Compassion & Choices back expanded end-of-life options, while the Catholic Conference, disability advocates and some Republicans urge a veto.