SPRINGFIELD – Illinois has joined 11 other states and Washington, D.C. in increasing access to more compassionate end-of-life options for terminally ill adults, thanks to a new law spearheaded by State Senator Linda Holmes.

“This new law will give Illinoisans access to a full range of end-of-life options,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “If someone is facing a terminal illness, they deserve the autonomy and dignity of being able to make their own decisions on end-of-life care.”

Senate Bill 1950 – known as the End-of-Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act – allows a qualified patient with a terminal disease to request a physician to prescribe aid-in-dying medication, allowing the patient to end their own life in a peaceful manner.

Under the new law, a terminally ill adult with six months or less to live must be assessed by two physicians and informed about all of their end-of-life care options in order to be eligible. A physician can refer the patient to a mental health professional to evaluate their capacity to make an informed decision.

 If the patient makes an end-of-life decision, only the patient can request and administer the medication themselves – not a surrogate, proxy, provider, attorney or via an advance health directive. The law makes it a felony to attempt to coerce or take advantage of the patient or to forge a request on their behalf. Further, no physician, health care provider or pharmacist would be required to participate in the law.

Deb Robertson of Lombard was diagnosed with terminal neuroendocrine carcinoma three years ago. Seven courses of cancer treatments later, she continues to fight every day to live but the disease is still progressing. She is an advocate for medical aid in dying and views the new law as progress.

“I love my life, I don’t want to die. I love my family but I am still going to die,” said Robertson. “Should the time come, I pray the state will allow me this option, to die peacefully and on my own terms.”

Senate Bill 1950 was signed into law Friday and goes into effect Sept. 12, 2026.

PHOTO: (Apr. 20, 2025) L to R: Khadine Bennett, ACLU Illinois; Suzy Flack, Compassion and Choices; and chief sponsor Sen. Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) provide testimony to the Senate Public Health Committee in support of Senate Bill 1950.

VIDEO: Leader Holmes' remarks on the Senate floor presenting SB1950 on October 31, 2025.