Judge Denies Disability Groups' Motion To Block Illinois Medical Aid In Dying Law From Taking Effect Saturday

CBS Chicago

September 11, 2026

A federal judge denied a motion to block the start of Illinois' medical aid in dying law from taking effect this weekend from a lawsuit filed by disability right advocates.

Illinois' End of Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act takes effect Saturday, Sept. 12. It allows some terminally ill patients to seek medical help to die on their own terms.

Also known as Deb's Law, it requires patients to be examined by two doctors to determine they have a terminal illness and will die within six months. In order to get life-ending medications, the patient must request them orally and in writing, and the medications must be self-administered. Patients also must be informed of all end-of-life care options including comfort care, hospice, pain control and palliative care.

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