ILLINOIS — Medically-assisted suicide will become legal next year for qualifying terminally ill patients in Illinois. 

Governor JB Pritzker signed the Medical Aid in Dying Bill Friday, making Illinois the 12th state to enact similar legislation.

"I have been deeply impacted by the stories of Illinoisans or their loved ones that have suffered... I have been moved by their dedication to standing up for freedom and choice at the end of life in the midst of personal heartbreak,” Pritzker said in a statement. "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. This legislation will be thoughtfully implemented so that physicians can consult patients on making deeply personal decisions with authority, autonomy, and empathy."

It goes into effect on Sept. 12, 2026, giving health care providers and the Illinois Department of Public Health time to adopt new processes and protections. Health care providers aren’t required to participate in the end of life option. The law makes it a felony to coerce anyone to request the medication or to forge a request. 

Adult patients requesting end-of-life medication must:

Have a terminal illness that will result in death within six months (as determined by two physicians)

Be informed by their physician about all end-of-life care options.

Have the mental capacity, confirmed by their physician, to make medical decisions.

Make written and oral requests to receive the lethal medication. The requests can only be made by the patient.

The written request must be signed by the patient and witnessed by two individuals who can attest to the patient's mental ability. Patients who qualify must also be able to self-administer the medication. Their cause of death will be listed as the underlying terminal illness, in accordance with the bill. 

The bill is known as Deb’s Law in honor of terminally ill Illinois resident Deb Robertson. 

“Today, I know the end for me could be near,” Robertson said. “But I’m pleased to have been able to play some role in ensuring that terminally ill Illinoisans have access to medical aid in dying.”

While many state officials and local health care providers advocate for the bill, others say they’re “deeply disappointed.”

“I am pro-life from beginning to end,” said State Representative Charlie Meier (R-Okawville). “Allowing people to be given medicine to end their life raises serious ethical and moral concerns. Given all the work I’ve done for people with disabilities, I worry for those who cannot make decisions for themselves and their ability to access the life-ending drugs. We need to value all life in Illinois, and this new law starts us down a dark path.”