SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — Following an emotional discussion, a proposal granting options to individuals with only a few months remaining to live has been approved by one chamber of the Illinois statehouse.
The legislation to provide medical aid in dying for terminally ill individuals, introduced by Rep. Robyn Gabel, was passed by the House of Representatives Thursday evening with a 63-42 vote. The proposal will now advance to the Senate.
The bill outlines several prerequisites before any medication can be administered, including a mandatory waiting period of five days prior to a doctor’s action and the need for two witnesses to confirm the person is mentally capable. To qualify as terminal under the proposed law, an individual must have received a diagnosis indicating a life expectancy of six months or less. Furthermore, this option is exclusively available to adults aged 18 or older who can personally request the procedure orally, precluding caregivers or guardians from making the request on behalf of their charge.
Supporters of the bill called it a win for terminally ill individuals.
“We are so grateful for House Majority Leader Robyn Gabel, all of our sponsors, our dedicated legislative champions, and the members of the Illinois House for their leadership in advancing this critical and compassionate legislation,” Callie Riley, Regional Advocacy Director for Compassion & Choices Action Network said. “We are very excited and we look forward to working with the legislators in the Senate to pass this important bill and deliver it to Governor Pritzker’s desk for his signature.”
Many legislators on both sides of the proposed legislation shared personal stories of taking care of loved ones on the floor.
Several anti-abortion groups are against the measure, saying the idea devalues human life.
“Legalizing [physician-assisted suicide] sends a dangerous message that some lives are less valuable than others, particularly those facing illness or disability,” Illinois Right to Life President Mary Kate Zander said in an email Thursday morning urging supporters to lobby against the bill.
