With less than two weeks left in the 2023 legislative session, the Illinois General Assembly is considering a request by out-of-state groups to legalize physician assisted suicide in Illinois.

Proponents have not shared the language nor have they had any public hearings on such a radical proposal, but efforts are underway right now to rush a measure through the legislative process and to the Governor for a signature. While we would hope such a measure would not force healthcare workers to participate in such a procedure, we have no way of guaranteeing that. We also have no way of knowing what safeguards will be put into place to protect the most vulnerable among us when faced with a terminal illness. The hope, by proponents, is to avoid the public scrutiny and tough questions that would normally come with discussing such a significant change to how we care for people at the end of their lives. Denying the people of Illinois the opportunity to weigh in on such a significant policy discussion is wrong. We need as many people as possible to let their elected officials know that legalizing physician assisted suicide should not be rushed through the legislature at the 11th hour. Such an effort is wrong, and it should be opposed.

To contact your elected officials, along with a possible message to send to let your lawmakers know you are opposed to this effort, click the link below to log in and send your message: