Catholic Conference Voices Opposition
In December 2025, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed the bill, Medical Aid in Dying (SB 1950), into law, making Illinois the first state in the Midwest to authorize medical aid in dying. While the bill went into effect Sept. 12, a day earlier, a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order preventing the state from enforcing parts of the law against Catholic healthcare providers and entities that filed a lawsuit over conscience protections.
Also known as 'Deb's Law,' the bill honors Deb Robertson, a lifelong Illinois resident living with a rare terminal illness who has strongly advocated for the bill and shed light on the impacts on families and individuals struggling with terminal illness as they seek dignity and autonomy to peacefully end their lives on their terms. The legislation expands compassionate end of life options in a manner that establishes clear processes, guidelines, and protocols. Several safeguards are in place to ensure robust patient protection for Illinois residents. No physician, health care provider or pharmacist is required to participate in the option. The law makes it a felony to coerce anyone to request the medication or to forge a request.
The Community News Brief reached out to Graham Health Systems and McDonough District Hospital for their views on the new law. McDonough District Hospital's Ethics Committee will be meeting in the near future to discuss Medical Assist in Dying, according to Interim CEO Wanda Foster. The Community News Brief will follow-up with MDH's physician services following the Ethics Committee's discussion.
Dr. Patrick Renick, a physician specializing in family medicine with Graham Health System, is a conscientious objector, while his colleague, Dr. Erin Bailey, a general surgeon, supports Medical Aid in Dying (MAID).
