Illinois Senate Passes Bill Allowing Terminally Ill Adults to Choose Aid in Dying

Illinois is set to become the latest state to legalize medical aid in dying, after the State Senate approved Senate Bill 1950 on Friday. The legislation, championed by Senator Linda Holmes, would allow terminally ill adults with less than six months to live to request medication from a physician to end their lives if they choose. Holmes, reflecting on the pain of losing both parents to cancer, says the bill offers dignity and relief from suffering. The measure includes strict safeguards, requiring mental health assessments and barring surrogates from making the request. The bill now awaits the governor’s decision.