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We’re welcoming November with an exciting update! Medical aid in dying moved a giant step closer to becoming law in Illinois on Friday as the State Senate voted to pass the Illinois End-of-Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act (SB1950), also known as Deb’s Law. The bill now goes to Illinois Governor JB Pritzker for his signature.
We’re grateful for the advocates and legislative champions, including Chief Sponsors Senator Linda Holmes and Senate co-sponsor Adriane Johnson, along with dozens of co-sponsors, who worked tirelessly to ensure the Illinois Senate knew the votes were in place to pass the bill this session.
Illinois is the first Midwest state to pass medical aid in dying legislation. Read more about it in our press release.
DYING TO LEARN MORE
We continue our Q&A segment, inviting you to share your questions about end-of-life issues. This week, many of you asked about how to make your voice heard as an advocate for Death with Dignity.
Write a Letter to the Editor
What does Death with Dignity mean to you? Answering this question with a letter to the editor is a powerful way to advocate for Death with Dignity. It gives you the chance to connect with your community, state, or even the nation. Your letter can also respond to a news article or an opinion piece—ultimately, it’s about sharing your feelings or experience on the issue.
If you need help getting started, our guide offers tips for writing a clear, compelling letter. Keep it concise, focused, and personal—show why you support medical aid in dying.
Write an Op-Ed
An op-ed is a focused, persuasive piece written in a clear and informed voice. It goes beyond simply expressing an opinion or writing a letter to the editor; it builds a well-reasoned argument supported by credible sources and thoughtful organization.Strong op-eds represent a specific point of view while engaging readers in meaningful debate. Believe it or not, good opinion editors are always looking for compelling, well-written perspectives, even those that challenge their own views. Learn how to write an op-ed here.
You asked, we heard
Send us your questions by filling out this form—we’ll continue to answer them in our ongoing series!
LEGISLATIVE NEWS
New York Update: As we await Governor Hochul’s decision on the Medical Aid in Dying Act, we want to keep you informed about where the bill stands. The bill has not yet been transmitted to her desk, which means she has until the end of the year to sign it into law, take no action, or veto it.
It’s not uncommon for bills to take some time before reaching the Governor. Once Governor Hochul requests the bill be transmitted, the 10-day countdown for her decision will begin.
If you’re a New Yorker, take one minute to send a pre-written letter urging Governor Hochul to sign the Medical Aid in Dying Act into law. Every message she receives makes a difference.
If you live outside the state,please forward the link to someone you know in New York. Together, we can help ensure no one has to leave home to die with dignity. A win for New York is a win for everyone!
Illinois’ victory is worthy of celebration, but the fight isn’t over. Opponents are already pressuring Governor Pritzker to veto the bill. Your support right nowcould secure the first Death with Dignity law in the Midwest, and spark nationwide momentum for end-of-life freedom.
Donate today. A win in Illinois is a win for all of us.
NEW ON OUR BLOG:
“I’m ready. It’s time.”
Those are the words of Kellee O’Reilly’s uncle Bill, a California resident who chose Death with Dignity after being diagnosed with inoperable glioblastoma.
In our latest Why I Advocate series, Kellee shares her uncle’s experience and how he came to his decision after living a full life, and why she continues to advocate in honor of his legacy. Read Kellee’s tribute to her uncle Bill and why she advocates here
Last month in Massachusetts, the End of Life Options Act (S1486) advanced out of the Joint Committee on Public Health and is now before the Joint Committee on Healthcare Financing—bringing Massachusetts one step closer to passing Death with Dignity.
For over a decade, we’ve fought for this compassionate end-of-life option. Read the stories of Massachusetts advocates who wanted this choice.
In solidarity,
Death with Dignity
United States of America