Illinois Becomes 12th State to Allow Medically Assisted Suicide for Terminally Ill Adults

The law makes such options available to patients determined by two physicians to have six months or less to live. Opponents say it ‘legitimizes suicide.’

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker speaks during a news conference in Aurora, Ill., on Aug. 5, 2025. Scott Olson/Getty Images

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill on Dec. 12 making medically assisted suicide available for terminally ill adults, and making Illinois the 12th U.S. state, along with the District of Columbia, to legalize the practice.

Opponents said the new law “legitimizes suicide.”