Abstract
Since the turn of the century, ten jurisdictions have followed Oregon’s lead by legalizing medical aid in dying. Illinois is not one of those jurisdictions. This Note argues that Illinois would benefit from permitting its terminally ill patients access medical aid in dying. This Note suggests the end-of-life decision making ability currently available to Illinois’ terminally ill patients is not sufficient to relieve the patients of the potential for conscious end-of-life suffering, loss of autonomy, and loss of dignity. Furthermore, the aging “Baby Boomer” generation, the insufficiency of end-of-life care, and physician compliance exacerbate the need for legalized medical aid in dying in Illinois. The author discusses legalization through the Illinois judiciary and Illinois’ General Assembly, and which path is better suited for accomplishing legalization. In the end, this Note concludes that legislation is likely the best path and proposes the introduction of an Oregon Death with Dignity-like bill with additional specific safeguards.
Recommended Citation
Nathan T. Levy,
Death with Dignity: Terminally Ill(inois),
46
S. Ill. U. L.J.
321
(2022).
Available at:
https://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/siulj/vol46/iss2/5