Illinois residents who are terminally ill can now end their lives. Here's how it works.

Illinois now allows terminally ill residents expected to die within six months to request a prescription for medication intended to end their lives. The law, dubbed “Deb’s Law” after former social worker Deb Robertson of Lombard, passed in Illinois with 30 yeas and 27 nays, and was signed by Gov. JB Pritzker on Dec. 12, 2025. It joins 12 other states and Washington, D.C. Legal and political opponents—particularly some religious and disability rights groups—have raised abuse concerns, though court challenges have not overturned the statute. Under the rules, patients submit written requests, make two oral requests at least five days apart, and require approval by a second physician.