Medical aid in dying, often abbreviated as “MAID,” is a widely supported practice in end-of-life care that provides dying people with peace of mind and comfort during a difficult time. In the 14 U.S. jurisdictions where this option is currently authorized, medical aid in dying allows a terminally ill, mentally competent adult to die peacefully on their own terms.
In November 1994, Oregon passed the nation’s first law giving terminally ill adults access to medical aid in dying. Today, more than one in three people live in a jurisdiction where medical aid in dying is authorized.
Evidence from nearly 30 years of practice demonstrates that the option of medical aid in dying increases the utilization of hospice care, encourages conversations about values and priorities, and improves end-of-life care overall. More importantly, the multistep process ensures patients are fully informed about care options, protected from coercion, and empowered to choose their own end-of-life journey.
The well-established practice of medical aid in dying also supports professionals by providing a framework for care along with regulatory guidelines and protections for both those who choose to support a patient’s request as well as those who may not.
If you are reading this guide, we hope it is because you recognize the importance of patient-directed care at the end of life and are eager to learn about the practice of medical aid in dying in Illinois. This content was developed by clinical, legal, and policy experts with experience in medical aid in dying in an effort to provide our colleagues with accurate information and practical resources for supporting their patients and community.
