DIXON — With the governor’s signature on Friday, Illinois is set to legalize assisted suicide next year, permitting doctors to prescribe life-ending medication to patients.
“I am deeply disappointed to see the governor sign this bill into law,” said State Senator Li Arellano Jr “While I have compassion for individuals facing serious illness or pain, this law risks presenting death as an option when many patients could still pursue treatment and care to recoup a healthy and long life.”
Senator Arellano raised several concerns with the new law, including:
· The law allows individuals to choose assisted suicide even when continued treatment, palliative care, or emerging medical options could have allowed them to live longer or maintain a meaningful quality of life.
· The law does not require a physician to be present when life-ending medication is taken, creating serious safety and oversight concerns.
· Patients could be unintentionally steered away from hospice or at-home care if ending one’s life is viewed as the cheaper or more convenient option.
· Even with safeguards in place, vulnerable individuals—especially seniors or those without strong support systems—could feel pressure to choose this path to avoid being seen as a burden.
“This law legalizes suicide for individuals who may have had the opportunity to live longer,” Arellano said. “It sets a dangerous precedent and sends the wrong message about how we value life in Illinois.”