Medical aid in dying was authorized in Illinois on December 12, 2025, when Gov. Pritzker signed SB 1950, the End-of-Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act. Also known as "Deb's Law" for Compassion & Choices storyteller Deb Robertson, living with terminal cancer. The law goes into effect in September 2026.
Deb's Law allows terminally ill adult Illinoisans with six months or less to live the option to request and take medication prescribed by their doctor to end unbearable suffering. It is entirely optional for both the terminally ill person and the doctor, and puts the patient in charge of what happens with their dying process.
By taking action today, you show your support for choice at the end of life in Illinois. You'll receive vital information from Compassion & Choices on access to medical aid in dying and other end-of-life care options and be the first to learn about the latest resources and ways to get involved as the law goes into effect.
Subject: I support medical aid in dying in Illinois and want to stay involved and receive resources as Deb's Law goes into effect.
I am in strong support of Deb's Law and the many compassionate end-of-life options including access to medical aid in dying in Illinois.
This practice allows terminally ill adults with six months or less left to live the option to request and take medication prescribed by their doctor to end unbearable suffering. It's entirely optional, and gives patients autonomy -- putting them in charge of requesting and taking the medication, with the ability to change their mind at any time.
I pledge to support the qualified terminally ill people of Illinois in accessing medical aid in dying, and I would like to receive resources and information as Deb's Law goes into effect.
