On Friday, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed into law the End-of-Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act, which allows individuals aged 18 and older with terminal illnesses and a prognosis of six months or less to request and self-administer medication to end their lives. This legislation introduces a framework that includes a five-day waiting period between requests, physician evaluations, and informed consent requirements, while also mandating data collection and providing some protections for healthcare workers who may object on moral grounds.

Pritzker stated that the law aims to honor the experiences of those suffering from terminal illnesses by providing them with the autonomy to make decisions regarding their end-of-life care. He emphasized the importance of compassionate care and the dignity of individuals facing debilitating conditions.

The law has drawn criticism from various groups, including the Thomas More Society, a conservative legal organization, which described the legislation as a significant moral and legal misstep. Critics argue that it could lead to coercion of vulnerable individuals, particularly those with disabilities or financial hardships, suggesting that the state’s endorsement of assisted suicide may undermine the value of life and the integrity of medical ethics.

Opponents, including Illinois House Republicans and the National Right to Life organization, have expressed concerns that the law sends a harmful message to those who are disabled or terminally ill, implying that their lives are burdensome. They warn that the potential for abuse exists, as individuals may feel pressured to choose death over continued care.

The law will not take effect until September 12, 2026, allowing time for healthcare providers and the Illinois Department of Public Health to prepare for its implementation. Illinois joins a number of other states, including California, Oregon, and New Jersey, in legalizing physician-assisted suicide, reflecting a growing trend in the United States regarding end-of-life options.