State has done right thing with aid in dying

I want to thank Gov. Pritzker for signing into law the Medical Aid in Dying Bill (also known as Deb’s Law”) as well as all the legislators who worked diligently to get it passed. This bill allows for medical assistance to end suffering for terminally ill adults with a life expectancy of six months or less. The law enables those meeting the criteria the option to safely, comfortably and with dignity end their lives.

Hospice care will undoubtedly remain the path that most patients will choose, but knowing they have the option for medically assisted dying will be an undoubtedly welcome and compassionate comfort.

The regulations and protective guardrails (i.e., two doctors’ examinations, mental health consultation if needed, medication taken by the patient and not administered by the MD) ensure against abuse of this law. Also, physicians who do not wish to participate can opt out. Multiple studies from the U.S., Canada and Europe have found no evidence that vulnerable populations are receiving assisted dying at disproportionate rates compared to the general population.

No one should be required to move outside their state to receive relief from the suffering of a terminal illness. Nor should they be forced to seek drugs on the dark web to clandestinely end their lives. This is not an easy topic to discuss, but Illinois has done the right thing and thank you to all those who advocated for this law.

Lori Moss

Gurnee