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 bill’s 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.