Illinois Legislature Passes Narrow Assisted Suicide Bill Amidst Catholic Opposition

Illinois has recently passed a controversial bill legalizing physician-assisted suicide for terminally ill, mentally competent adults, making it poised to become the 12th state to allow such a practice. The bill, known as the "End-of-Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act," received narrow support in the Senate and previously passed the House, and now awaits Governor JB Pritzker's decision to sign, veto, or allow it to become law by inaction. The legislation has faced strong opposition from the Catholic Conference of Illinois, which condemns it as an assault on human dignity and warns it could increase suicide rates, urging the governor to veto the bill. Critics, including Bishop Thomas John Paprocki and disability rights advocates, express concerns about moral implications, potential abuse, and the societal message it sends about human life, especially given ongoing suicide prevention efforts in the state. Supporters, including the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois and Compassion and Choices Action Network, argue the bill offers terminally ill individuals autonomy and relief from suffering. The debate underscores deep divisions over end-of-life care, with opponents continuing efforts to persuade the governor to reject the measure.