Speak Out Against the Legalization of Assisted Suicide in Illinois

With the primary elections now behind us, our attention once again is focused on the Illinois General Assembly and a slew of pending bills that are decidedly anti-family. At the top of our list is SB 3499, the so-called “End-of-Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act.” This attempt to legalize assisted suicide is euphemistically referred to as “Death with Dignity.” But don’t be deceived by the spin.

Illinois cannot hope to advance its reputation for excellence in healthcare by legalizing assisted suicide for terminally ill patients. It would call into doubt any claim we have to providing patients with the highest quality of care. Instead of perseverance, love and care, we’d be sending the message of indifference, impatience, and weakness.