Pritzker signs medical aid in dying bill into law

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Gov. JB Pritzker signed the medical aid in dying bill into law Friday morning following several weeks of deliberation. The legislation will allow anyone dying of a terminal illness within six months to have the option of medically-assisted death.

Many across the state consider the measure to be the most controversial plan to pass out of both chambers this year.

"I have been deeply impacted by the stories of Illinoisans or their loved ones that have suffered from a devastating terminal illness, and I have been moved by their dedication to standing up for freedom and choice at the end of life in midst of personal heartbreak," Pritzker said. "Today, Illinois honors their strength and courage by enacting legislation that enables patients faced with debilitating terminal illnesses to make a decision, in consultation with a doctor, that helps them avoid unnecessary pain and suffering at the end of their lives."

Medical aid in dying is a trusted practice that is part of the full spectrum of end-of-life care, including hospice and palliative care. The practice is authorized in 11 states and Washington D.C.

Yet, opponents argue people can defy the odds and survive a six-month terminal diagnosis. They also have concerns with the amount of people who could gain access to the end-of-life drug.

"In this day and age, we have young children that have suicidal thoughts very often," said Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy). "There's just no protection as if a family member can access this cocktail and use it to commit suicide."

Sponsors frequently stress that there have been no substantial cases of coercion since Oregon became the first state to implement the policy in 1997.

No physician, health care provider or pharmacist is required to participate in the option. The law also makes it a felony to coerce anyone to request the medication or to forge a request.

"The person makes the request verbally, then they have to submit a request in writing," said Sen. Linda Holmes (D-Aurora). "The doctor also have to make sure that they are mentally capable of making an informed decision. If he has any doubts about that, he needs to go to a mental health professional."

Pritzker told reporters last week that he didn't want anyone to think this would be an easy decision, as there was a lot to consider. The governor even brought the topic up during his visit with Pope Leo last month.

Although, some argue this change could take a real toll on family members and doctors providing the end-of-life medication.

"If the killing of animals has caused so much stress, depression, and horrible outcomes for veterinarians, what is that going to do to our medical professionals when they start helping to kill humans in this state," asked Sen. Steve McClure (R-Springfield).

Senate Bill 1950 passed out of the Senate on a 30-27 vote five months after it received a 63-42 vote in the House with two members voting present.

Patients who qualify and receive medication have the right to withdraw their request at any time or choose not to ingest it. Death certificates of those who take end-of-life medication under the law will attribute their cause of death to the underlying terminal disease.

The new law will take effect September 12, exactly nine months after Pritzker's signature of approval. Health care organizations can prohibit their staff from practicing medical aid in dying while working for the entity. The legislation also requires that insurance plans, including Medicaid, cannot deny or alter benefits to patients with terminal disease based on the availability of end-of-life care, their request for the medication, or absence of a request.

"This legislation will be thoughtfully implemented so that physicians can consult patients on making deeply personal decisions with authority, autonomy, and empathy," Pritzker said.