Illinois legislators have introduced a new bill that would allow terminally ill patients to request life-ending medication from their physicians. The End-of-Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act, filed as HB1328 and SB9 in the 104th General Assembly, aims to provide a legal framework for medical aid in dying in the state.
Key provisions of the bill include:
- Allows adult Illinois residents with a terminal illness and less than 6 months to live to request aid-in-dying medication from their doctor.
- Requires two physicians to confirm the patient’s diagnosis, prognosis, and mental capacity to make the decision.
- Mandates a 5-day waiting period between the patient’s initial request and receiving the prescription, with exceptions for patients expected to die within 5 days.
- Protects healthcare providers and entities from civil or criminal liability for participating or refusing to participate in good faith.
- Prohibits insurance companies from denying or altering health benefits based on the availability of aid-in-dying care.
The bills’ sponsors, Representative Robyn Gabel (D-18) and Senator Linda Holmes (D – 42), emphasized that the legislation includes strict safeguards to prevent abuse and coercion. Patients must be mentally capable of making the decision and must self-administer the medication.
If passed, Illinois would join several other states that have legalized medical aid in dying, including Oregon, California, and Vermont. Supporters argue the bill provides compassionate options for terminally ill patients, while opponents express concerns about potential misuse
.The proposed law would take effect 6 months after being signed into law, if approved by the legislature and governor.
it’s about time
I believe that this is a very important bill and strongly support it.
I was with my significant other for 32 years, He passed away stage 4 cancer if it weren’t for the medication that the Doctor prescribed for him for his pain he Would have suffered significantly he died within 4 months of his diagnosis there was nothing more we can do would’ve been a dire pain this way he died and passed very Comfortably with no pain God bless.