Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker on Friday signed a bill authorizing a strictly regulated form of medical aid in dying for certain terminally ill adults. The option will be available in September 2026 after a delayed rollout to allow the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and healthcare systems to establish safeguards.

Senate Bill 1950, known as “ Deb’s Law ” by supporters, sets a narrowly defined process. Eligible patients must be adults diagnosed with a terminal illness expected to cause death within six months, with the prognosis confirmed by two physicians. The request must come directly from the patient and must have the mental capacity to make medical decisions, with referral to a mental health professional if capacity is uncertain. The process requires both oral and wri

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