Message
Like many Illinois voters, I have seen families and relatives in our community face the difficult, draining situation of standing bedside while a loved one with a terminal illness struggles at the end of life. That is why, as your constituent, I urge you to support SB 3499, the End-of-Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act, that would allow terminally ill individuals in our state to make the decision that's right for them, by providing access to the full range of end-of-life care options.
The range of options available in SB 3499 already is available to terminally ill adults in 10 other states and Washington, D.C., including the option of aid-in-dying medication. For many terminally ill individuals, simply having access to this option – even if they never use it – will provide some level of comfort at the end of their lives. 10 states and Washington, D.C. have addressed this unfortunate circumstance by authorizing medical aid in dying.
Medical aid in dying is a trusted and time-tested medical practice that is part of the full spectrum of end-of-life care options, that includes hospice and palliative care. SB 3499 allows a mentally capable, terminally ill adult with a prognosis of six months or less the option to obtain a prescription medication they may decide to take so they can die peacefully and end their suffering.
Despite claims of opponents to the law, not a single substantiated case of abuse or coercion has been found in the 26 years since the first medical aid-in-dying law went into effect in 1997 in Oregon. SB 3499 contains necessary protections and procedures to guard against any such abuse in Illinois. No one will be forced in Illinois to exercise this option.
Illinois residents facing a terminal diagnosis and their families deserve to have access to all medical options at the end of life. SB 3499 makes this a reality. I urge you to support the measure.
