Illinois House passes medical aid in dying bill, sends plan to Senate

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois House passed a plan Thursday night to allow anyone dying of a terminal illness within six months to have the option of medically-assisted death.

This is a very sensitive issue for House Democrats, Republicans, and advocates on both sides, which led to an hour-long debate on the legislation.

Medical aid in dying is a trusted medical practice that is part of the full spectrum of end-of-life care, including hospice and palliative care.

Experts say medical aid in dying is approved in ten states. They also stress that there have been no substantial cases of abuse or coercion since Oregon became the first state with the police in 1997.

"Qualified individuals must be able to self administer or self ingest the medicine," said House Majority Leader Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston). "Physicians must inform the requesting individual about all of their end of life options, including comfort care, hospice, palliative care, and pain control."

Rep. Bill Hauter (R-Morton), an emergency room doctor, said the Illinois State Medical Society recently voted as an organization to oppose this type of care.

"Don't undermine the relationship physicians have with their patients," Hauter said. "Don't give insurance companies any tactic, another tool, to pressure patients, the disabled, the terminally ill with no care and with death."

Senate Bill 1950 passed out of the House on a 63-42 vote with two members voting present. The measure now moves to the Senate for further consideration. Although, it is unknown if the chamber has enough people willing to support the plan.