Illinois Advances Toward Legalizing Physician-Assisted End-of-Life Options

Illinois lawmakers have moved a step closer to legalizing physician-assisted end-of-life options. The House approved the measure late Thursday, with 63 votes in favor and 42 opposed. Eleven members did not cast a vote, and two voted present. Representative Travis Weaver of Edwards County spoke out strongly against the proposal before the final vote. Earlier attempts to pass similar bills stalled this year, but sponsors revived the measure by attaching its language to Senate Bill 1950. Now, the amended bill returns to the Senate. If senators agree, Illinois will become the twelfth state to authorize medical aid in dying.