* Background is here if you need it. During yesterday’s press conference, Gov. JB Pritzker was asked about the medical aid in dying bill [End-of-Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act] that’s sitting on his desk…
I’ve been listening to everybody that has a view on it. I have not announced anything or decided anything.
You know, every time I talk to somebody has a little bit of an effect, you’re sort of cumulatively gathering information. And I know there are people who feel passionately on both sides. I have said before that I have friends who’ve gone through this with their relatives, and it’s painful for the person who’s experiencing the pain in the last six months of their lives, as well as for the entire family, and sometimes with the, you know, competent decision-making on the part of somebody who’s suffering. It feels like for them it was the right thing to do. I’m talking about a specific circumstance I can think of in another state.
And then at the same time, I understand people who have religious values that say that this is inappropriate and that we should just provide hospice care and maybe make it as comfortable as we possibly can for somebody who’s dying.
So it’s a hard issue. And I don’t want anybody to think that making up your mind about this is very easy. I think there’s a lot to consider, but most of all, it’s about compassion. And again, there’s evidence and information on both sides that leads me to think seriously about what direction to go.
* He was also asked if he discussed the bill during his recent meeting with Pope Leo XIV…
It’s actually something that I brought up, and we didn’t have a conversation about it, because we were just, you know, at the beginning of our conversation, I think he and I were both kind of dismissing to each other the things that we may disagree about, because there are very few, honestly. But kind of acknowledging that there may be things that we disagree about. Obviously, we are members of different religions. Don’t really disagree so much. It’s just had differences in that way. So we kind of it, was a kind of a brief part of a conversation in which we were dismissing all those things and then getting to the things that we really have so much in common. And I so much respect who he is and what he represents. And of course, the fact that he’s from the state of Illinois is a great point of pride for all of us.
- DuPage Saint - Thursday, Dec 4, 25 @ 2:05 pm:
I am old I do not particularly want to use this act anytime soon but I think it should by my option. The governor is right it is about compassion and that is enough. It should be between you your family your doctor and your religion that is all
- Anyone Remember - Thursday, Dec 4, 25 @ 2:10 pm:
“… and maybe make it as comfortable as we possibly can for somebody who’s dying.”
Maybe? That is why I support the bill, the dying process shouldn’t include infliction of horrific pain.
- Dotnonymous x - Thursday, Dec 4, 25 @ 2:14 pm:
I wish our Governor could have looked into my Mom’s eyes as she lay dying, struggling to breathe…for three very long and very painful years.
- Think again - Thursday, Dec 4, 25 @ 2:14 pm:
=but I think it should be my option=
It is now and always has been an option - once a patient is cleared for hospice/palliative care by their physician, the patient and his/her Medical POA will have access to opioids that will both remove pain, but also can speed the dying process. The administration/dosage of the opioid is at the will of the patient, not under strict label rules from the FDA.
- Dotnonymous x - Thursday, Dec 4, 25 @ 2:24 pm:
Everyone dies…this is about how and when…after the needless suffering or just before?
- Remember the Alamo II - Thursday, Dec 4, 25 @ 2:28 pm:
=== I wish our Governor could have looked into my Mom’s eyes as she lay dying, struggling to breathe…for three very long and very painful years. ===
Why?
- Remember the Alamo II - Thursday, Dec 4, 25 @ 2:31 pm:
=== It is now and always has been an option - once a patient is cleared for hospice/palliative care by their physician, the patient and his/her Medical POA will have access to opioids that will both remove pain, but also can speed the dying process. The administration/dosage of the opioid is at the will of the patient, not under strict label rules from the FDA. ===
Are you seriously suggesting that we don’t need this law because patients can simply take opioids? Are you working for the pharmaceutical companies?
- Nicky - Thursday, Dec 4, 25 @ 3:05 pm:
My sister ended her life (and her intolerable suffering) in Switzerland. This right should be available here in Illinois.
- 47th Ward - Thursday, Dec 4, 25 @ 3:10 pm:
I’m really torn on this. If he signs it, those who so choose will make an irreversible decision. I suspect many of those effected know this already and are prepared for the outcome. But still, it feels wrong for the state to sanction this.
And before anyone decides to come after me for my comment, when I was 16 I watched my mom die a slow, painful death from cancer. I would have done anything to prevent her suffering so I’ve been there too.
I think the Governor should veto it. If there is significant backlash, the General Assembly can try to override the veto or try again in the Spring. The stakes are very high with this kind of thing. I’d want to 110% sure all possible angles have been considered and triple checked before signing it.
- Jeremy Rosen - Thursday, Dec 4, 25 @ 3:19 pm:
This is not a comment on the merits of the bill, but my interpretation of the Governor’s comments is that he is leaning towards signing it.
- Dotnonymous x - Thursday, Dec 4, 25 @ 3:35 pm:
I hope Governor Pritzker decides to do the right thing and signs this legislation…with due compassion.
- Sillybilly - Thursday, Dec 4, 25 @ 3:39 pm:
The elephant in the room is the coercive element and incentive this bill gives insurance companies. “Terminal” is a floating definition in the bill.
Everyone knows insurance companies love the idea of covering MAID for $40 instead of chemo for untold thousands.
These pro commenters don’t know the door they’re opening, especially for those who will be nudged towards it and the result will ultimately be less options.
- Pundent - Thursday, Dec 4, 25 @ 4:31 pm:
=These pro commenters don’t know the door they’re opening=
I get the argument, I simply don’t find it to be a persuasive one.
- Chooch - Thursday, Dec 4, 25 @ 4:36 pm:
My brother in-law committed suicide in 2020 when his m.s. was getting worse and he took things into his own hands while he still could. Governor, please sign the bill.