Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has signed legislation allowing adults 18 or older with a terminal diagnosis to end their lives using a prescribed fatal drug.
The law, which takes effect in September 2026, requires multiple oral and written requests and confirmation by two physicians that the patient is of sound mind and expected to die within six months. Participation by healthcare providers is voluntary.
Illinois becomes the 12th U.S. state to legalize physician-assisted suicide. Critics, including the Thomas More Society, call it a “tragic and dangerous turning point” that puts the elderly, disabled, and vulnerable at risk. Thomas Olp, executive vice president of the Society, said the law “crossed a profound moral and legal red line,” undermines the dignity of human life, and coerces physicians and religious medical institutions to participate in assisted deaths.
Meanwhile, New York appears poised to follow a similar path. Governor Kathy Hochul announced she has reached an agreement with legislative leaders to legalize medically assisted suicide, pending added safeguards. The proposed law would allow terminally ill patients to request life-ending medication under specific conditions, including physician approval, witness verification, and waiting periods. Catholic leaders and disability advocates in New York have strongly opposed the measure, warning it undermines the sanctity of life and pressures the sick and disabled toward death rather than care.
Massachusetts is not immune to this threat. In November 2025, the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Health Care Financing recommended “ought to pass” for the Doctor-Prescribed Suicide bill, An Act relative to end-of-life options, and referred it to the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. The bill is moving forward quickly, but there is still time to stop it. This is not the first time this legislation has been proposed—End of Life Options was previously on the ballot in 2012, and Massachusetts voters rejected it. Citizens concerned about the protection of vulnerable lives must remain vigilant and engaged to ensure our state does not follow Illinois and New York down this dangerous path. Contact your legislator today to voice your opposition here.