The expansion of medical aid in dying in the U.S. has accelerated, with New York and Illinois becoming the latest states to legalize the practice. Illinois, where the law took effect this month, is the first Midwest state to do so, making it the 13th state plus the District of Columbia. About one-third of Americans now live in a jurisdiction where the option is available.
Eligibility generally requires a terminal illness with less than six months to live, the ability to make a voluntary decision, and the capacity to self-administer medication. Oregon was the first state to legalize the practice in 1997. At least 15 other states considered similar legislation this year, but most proposals stalled or missed legislative deadlines.
The issue remains bitterly contested. Pope Leo XIV said he was "very disappointed" that his home state of Illinois approved the law, and Catholic leaders filed lawsuits seeking exemptions for faith-based providers. Disability advocates and some lawmakers also oppose the practice. Supporters, including terminally ill patients and interfaith chaplains, argue for individual choice and dignity. One anthropologist quoted in the source says equating assisted dying with suicide is harmful and can stigmatize severely ill patients.