SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Gov. JB Pritzker has not decided yet if he will sign the medical aid in dying bill into law. Many consider the legislation to be the most controversial plan to pass out of both chambers this year.

The proposal that arrived on Pritzker's desk Nov. 25 would allow anyone dying of a terminal illness within six months to have the option of medically-assisted death.

"Every time I talk to somebody, it has a little bit of an effect," Pritzker told reporters during an unrelated event Wednesday. "You're sort of cumulatively gathering information, and I know that there are people who feel passionately on both sides."

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.

"I understand people who have religious values that say that this is inappropriate and that we should just provide hospice care and maybe make it as comfortable as we possibly can for somebody who's dying," Pritzker said.

The Democrat said he knows it is painful for the patient experiencing pain during the last six months of their lives, as well as their entire family. 

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

"The person makes that request verbally, then they have to submit a request in writing," said Sen. Linda Holmes (D-Aurora). "The doctor also has 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 said he doesn't want anybody to think this will be an easy decision, as there is a lot to consider. He even brought the topic up during his visit with Pope Leo two weeks ago.

"Obviously, we are members of different religions," Pritzker said. "We don't really disagree so much as we just have differences in that way. It was kind of a brief part of a conversation in which we were dismissing all those things, and then getting to the things that we really have so much in common. I so much respect who he is and what he represents."

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. 

Pritzker has to decide on the bill by Jan. 25, which is 60 days after the legislation arrived on his desk. If he approves the idea, the measure would take effect nine months after becoming law.

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