Bishop Thomas John Paprocki | Diocese of Springfield

State lawmakers in Illinois are preparing to vote on Senate Bill 3499, a controversial piece of legislation aimed at legalizing physician-assisted suicide. The bill allows physicians to prescribe lethal drugs to terminally ill patients who wish to end their lives.

Proponents of the bill refer to it as Medical Aid in Dying (MAID). However, opponents argue that this terminology misrepresents the nature of the act and prefer to call it "assisted suicide." The upcoming vote is scheduled for the Lame Duck Session in Springfield, which runs from January 2, 2025, until January 8, 2025.

The Catholic Bishops of Illinois have voiced strong opposition to SB 3499. They argue that it contradicts religious teachings on human dignity and sanctity. According to them, “We must accompany people towards death, but not provide death or facilitate assisted suicide,” quoting Pope Francis.

Critics of the bill express concern about potential risks for vulnerable populations such as the poor and disabled. They cite cases from other states where individuals were offered life-ending prescriptions instead of necessary medical treatments. In Oregon, where assisted suicide has been legal since 1997, reasons cited by those choosing assisted suicide often include loss of autonomy and feelings of being a burden rather than pain management.

Opponents advocate for increased access to healthcare and enhanced palliative care services as alternatives that respect human dignity without resorting to assisted suicide. They emphasize expanding mental health coverage and community support programs as ways forward.

The American Medical Association has stated that “Physician-assisted suicide is fundamentally incompatible with the physician’s role as healer.” Concerns about potential abuses under such laws have also been raised by disability rights organizations nationwide.

As lawmakers prepare for this critical decision, citizens are encouraged by opponents of SB 3499 to contact their representatives and voice their opinions on this sensitive issue.