A Matter of Life and Death


A Matter of Life and Death

In this column, I don’t usually discuss pending legislation; however, I am making an exception this week.  The fact that the news has been so focused on what changes in law are coming out of Washington, we have almost forgotten about what is happening in Springfield.  Well, listen up!!!

Illinois is again at the center of a heated ethical, legal, and medical debate over medical aid in dying (MAID), under proposed legislation that would permit terminally ill adults to obtain lethal prescription medication under certain conditions.  Proponents say it offers compassion and autonomy; opponents warn of possible abuse and moral hazard.  I’m going to provide you with the pros and cons, as articulated by lawmakers and stakeholders, and let you decide.

The legislation being discussed is Senate Bill 1950, also know as the End-of-Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act or “Deb’s Law”. Related bills (e.g., HB1328, SB 3499) would allow mentally capable adults diagnosed with a terminal illness and given six months or less to live to request a prescription for aid-in-dying medication, which they must self-administer. Safeguards include two physician diagnoses, a waiting period, and protections against coercion.

Legislators supporting the bill argue that this law would give terminally ill patients control over their final days.  Deb Robertson of Lombard, herself diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer, testified legislators should allow people “to die peacefully and on my own terms.”

Rep. Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston), a lead sponsor, described it as “trusted and time-tested,” part of full spectrum end-of-life options including hospice and palliative care.

Advocates point out that similar laws are already in effect in many states (11 to be exact) and Washington D.C.    

As I stated, there are always two sides to a coin.  Now for the opposing side.

Opponents including the Catholic Church (represented in statements by Cardinal Blasé Cupich) assert that legalizing MAID amounts to normalizing suicide, which conflicts with religious teachings.  They argue that life (and death) should be preserved and that government should not sanction death as a medical tool.

Disability rights advocates and some lawmakers like Rep. Bill Hauter (R-Morton), a physician, warn that vulnerable people – those with disabilities or the chronically ill – could be pressured by family, medical providers, or insurers to choose death rather than more expensive or burdensome care. Hauter says that this legislation “changes forever the soul of medicine.”

Some opponents fear that once such laws are enacted, the criteria may gradually be expanded beyond terminal illness, or that insurance companies might subtly shift incentives toward less expensive death rather than costly treatment.

In the House, back in May, before the recess there was a heated impassioned debate before the bill was passed (63-42).  However, legislators cautioned that this is not the end; it must pass the Senate and survive further scrutiny. Most likely, it will be presented again in one of the veto sessions scheduled October 14-16 or October 28-30.

There has been very little press on this VERY pressing issue.  The implications of this bill’s passage, in my opinion, could be extremely impactful on our Black community.  We tend to have the poorest healthcare, we have the lowest life expectancy, we are disproportionately affected by chronic illnesses, and we have the weakest voices to advocate for us on most issues, especially healthcare.

We need to stop asking “Where the Fans At?” and pay more attention to where our elected officials are on issues that are a matter of life and death.

The state senators and representatives that YOU elect SHOULD BE YOUR greatest advocates.  Are they?  Do they keep you informed about the legislation that comes up for their vote that will affect the quality of life for you and your family? Have they asked you how you want them to vote on this issue or any other issue that they will be voting on during this session?   Get your boots on the ground or FAFO.

‘Nuf said?

Brenda “Bren” Sheriff, CSA

Comments or questions: contact me basheriff1@gmail.com or 773-817-0601

Disclaimer: The views or opinions expressed in this article are not those of the publisher, staff or its affiliates.   The information provided is to inform you the readers of the varied pieces of legislation that goes unnoticed or unreported. Yes, there are tons of legislation on the books in Illinois that passed through the House and the Senate that you might not know exists therefore it is important that you stay woke and hold elected officials accountable for your representation.   


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