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Pritzker Weighs Illinois ‘Right-to-Die’ Bill After Narrow Overnight Senate Vote

The governor says he is examining SB 1950 under intense lobbying from both supporters and critics.

Overview

  • The Senate approved the measure 30–27 in the early hours of Friday’s veto session, sending it to Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
  • SB 1950 would allow mentally competent adults with a prognosis of six months or less to obtain life‑ending medication, with requirements including physician and mental‑health evaluations, multiple oral and written requests, witnesses, and self‑administration.
  • Health care providers would not be required to participate, and doctors must discuss alternatives such as hospice care.
  • Pritzker said he has not decided on the bill; he has two months to act, and if he signs it the law would take effect nine months later.
  • Backers including the ACLU of Illinois, Compassion & Choices, and bill sponsor Sen. Linda Holmes frame the policy as personal choice, while disability advocates and Catholic leaders urge a veto, citing risks of coercion and discrimination.