Medical aid in dying was authorized in Illinois on December 12th, 2025, when Gov. Pritzker signed SB 1950, the End-of-Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act. Also known as “Deb’s Law” for Compassion & Choices storyteller Deb Robertson, the law goes into effect in September 2026.
We know that many Illinoisans and clinicians have questions about the law, and the practice of medical aid in dying. On the right-hand side of this page, you will find resources for patients (and their loved ones) as well as clinicians, including in-depth guides to the law. If you have any additional questions, please contact our Senior Illinois Campaign Organizer at [email protected].
The law was originally introduced during the 2025 legislative session by our lead sponsors, House Majority Leader Robyn Gabel and Assistant Senate Majority Leader Linda Holmes. The legislation is summarized here.
In a 2023 poll, 71% of likely Illinois voters supported this compassionate legislation, and the majority of Illinois physicians also support this option.
Survey of Illinois Physicians’ Attitudes Toward Medical Aid in Dying as an End-of-Life Option
Illinois Legislative Campaign Overview
The Compassion & Choices Action Network Illinois team and the ACLU of Illinois partner in the Illinois End-of-Life Options Coalition. If you would like to get involved, please sign up here.
In 2026, lawmakers introduced several bills to restrict access to, amend, or repeal the Illinois End-of-Life Options Act. As of spring, none of these bills have moved forward. We will continue to monitor all threats to the law and take action to ensure that medical aid in dying remains an end-of-life care option in Illinois.
Our work doesn’t stop here. Will you make a donation to support our continued efforts to bring vital access resources and education efforts across the state?
Let’s face it, the news has been distressing lately. Our work to recognize autonomy and expand options at the end of life has never been more important. Below are highlights of our recent activities and an informative spotlight from our coalition partner, Khadine Bennett, of the ACLU of Illinois. Local Update Activities are heating up…
As we close out 2021, we’re celebrating our first year of publishing this newsletter, bringing you up-to-date news on the growth of the movement to expand and protect end-of-life care options in Illinois. Together we have made terrific progress this year: Forty-five volunteers stepped forward to meet with 16 state legislators by Zoom this summer….
As we spring forward to expand our daylight hours, we are doing the same with our movement here in Illinois — educating and advocating to expand end-of-life options, including medical aid in dying. As you read on, we think you will be heartened by the wide range of activities and events occurring in the weeks ahead. Local…
Hello Friends of Compassion & Choices Illinois! Welcome to the inaugural edition of the Illinois Compassionate Quarterly, an email publication written by, and for, friends of the rapidly growing end-of-life options movement in Illinois. You will find information about recent and upcoming statewide and national events, and learn about what Illinois activists are doing. You will…
Happy National Healthcare Decisions Day! Today, April 16, we recognize National Healthcare Decisions Day. In our second year of a global pandemic, we have a unique opportunity to command more attention on the importance of advance care planning and the movement to expand and protect end-of-life options for everyone. Make sure the people you care…
Meet Legislative Champion, Illinois Representative Robyn Gabel Today we’re pleased to spotlight Representative Robyn Gabel (D) of the Illinois 18th House District, which includes several north Chicago suburbs. Rep. Gabel also serves as the Assistant Majority Leader. First, please enjoy local and national updates about the end-of-life options movement. Local Update Our Illinois volunteer Action Teams continue…
As we close out 2021, we’re celebrating our first year of publishing this newsletter, bringing you up-to-date news on the growth of the movement to expand and protect end-of-life care options in Illinois. Together we have made terrific progress this year: Forty-five volunteers stepped forward to meet with 16 state legislators by Zoom this summer….
Meet Legislative Champion, Illinois Representative Robyn Gabel Today we’re pleased to spotlight Representative Robyn Gabel (D) of the Illinois 18th House District, which includes several north Chicago suburbs. Rep. Gabel also serves as the Assistant Majority Leader. First, please enjoy local and national updates about the end-of-life options movement. Local Update Our Illinois volunteer Action Teams continue…
Compassion & Choices anunció el día de hoy que nombró a Jill Gordon, directora ejecutiva y cofundadora de KidSnips, la cadena líder de peluquerías para niños en Chicagoland, con $ 4.5 millones de dólares en ventas y más de 90 empleados, para unirse a la mesa directiva de Compassion & Choices. Dicha organización sin fines…
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