Compassion and Choice

Compassion and Choice is the name of a nonprofit organization that is working to establish a human’s right to determine end of life options, including doctor assisted death. Most of us think of this ending as euthanasia. However, In the United States, euthanasia is prohibited under federal law. However, physician-assisted suicide, which is often confused with euthanasia, is legal in 10 states and the District of Columbia. These states include:  California, Colorado, Hawaii. Maine, Montana (allowed via court ruling), New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, Washington.

Physician-assisted suicide involves a patient self-administering prescribed medication to end their life, whereas euthanasia typically involves a third party directly administering a lethal agent.

There are currently 18 states with end-of-life legislation pending: Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee.

Until the issue of death becomes a part of our lives we don’t think much about it.  However, it touches us all at some point.  Whether it is the loss of a beloved pet at an early age, the tragic death of a loved one, or simply the passing of someone from old age, we cannot escape the reality that life is finite.  In addition, the issue of “quality of life” should be considered.  Is someone actually living a good life if they are confined to a wheelchair, cannot communicate, and often appear to be disconnected from their surroundings?

What is tragic in these inevitable events is that for most of us we do not have a right to end our own life with dignity.  While no one is concerned when a beloved pet must be euthanized, that ending is not an option for almost all of us.

In Illinois the End-of-Life Options Act (SB 9 and HB 1328) would authorize medical aid in dying in Illinois. The Senate version was introduced on 1/13/2025 by Assistant Majority Leader Linda Holmes, and the House version on 1/14/2025 by Majority Leader Robyn Gabel. 

On April 9, SB 9 was heard by the Senate Executive Committee which advanced it by an 8-3 vote. The bill’s next stop is the Senate floor.

In a 2023 poll, 71% of likely Illinois voters supported this compassionate legislation, and the majority of Illinois physicians also support this option.

The Compassion & Choices Action Network Illinois team and the ACLU of Illinois partner in the Illinois End-of-Life Options Coalition. If you would like to get involved, you can reach out to Compassion & Choices:

• Phone: Call their End-of-Life Consultation service at 1-800-247-7421. Leave a voicemail with your name, state, return phone number, and the best time to reach you.

• Email: Send an email to eolc@compassionandchoices.org. Include your name, state, and details about the resources you’re seeking.
• Website: Visit their official website for more information and resources.