SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS – Illinois residents with terminal illnesses will soon have the option to end their lives through medically assisted means after Gov. JB Pritzker signed new legislation into law on Friday. The measure, which takes effect in September 2026, gives state health officials and medical providers time to establish detailed safeguards and procedures to govern how the practice will be implemented.
The law, commonly known as “Deb’s Law,” is named after Deb Robertson, a suburban Chicago resident living with a rare terminal illness who advocated for the measure and shared firsthand accounts of the suffering faced by patients and their families. Pritzker said he was deeply affected by those stories and emphasized the importance of preserving personal choice and dignity at the end of life. He said the law will be implemented carefully so physicians can guide patients through deeply personal decisions with compassion, autonomy, and respect.
Under the new statute, adults 18 and older who are mentally capable of making medical decisions may request life-ending medication if they have a terminal diagnosis expected to result in death within six months. Two physicians must confirm the diagnosis and the patient’s capacity, and patients must be fully informed about all other end-of-life options, including hospice and palliative care. Requests must be made directly by the patient, both orally and in writing, and cannot be submitted by a proxy or surrogate.
Illinois becomes the 12th state, along with the District of Columbia, to allow medically assisted suicide. Delaware was the most recent state to adopt a similar law, with its provisions taking effect in early 2026, while several other states are weighing comparable measures.
The legislation passed narrowly after months of debate. The Illinois House approved the bill 63–42 near the end of the spring session, and the Senate followed in October with a 30–27 vote. Both chambers saw notable opposition from some Democratic lawmakers.
Religious organizations and advocacy groups criticized the decision, arguing that the law could place vulnerable populations at risk and divert attention from improving access to palliative and hospice care. Others warned that it sends conflicting messages by permitting assisted death for some while working to prevent suicide in other groups.
Supporters, including Robertson, welcomed the signing as a meaningful expansion of end-of-life options. She said the law offers terminally ill Illinois residents the dignity of choice and expressed gratitude for having played a role in helping others gain access to medical aid in dying.