Pope Leo XIV Expresses Disappointment After Illinois Approves Medical Aid in Dying Act
Pope Leo XIV expressed being very disappointed following Illinois' approval of the Medical Aid in Dying Act, also known as Deb's Law. The legislation was signed by Governor JB Pritzker on December 12, allowing eligible terminally ill adults to obtain life-ending medication after consulting with a doctor. The law is set to take effect in September 2026, providing time for implementation and protections by participating providers and the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Pope Leo XIV stated that he spoke explicitly with Governor Pritzker during the legislative process and urged him not to sign the bill. Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich also urged the governor not to sign, while Illinois’ six Catholic dioceses criticized the decision, calling it dangerous. Deb Robertson, after whom the measure is named, was a lifelong Illinois resident with a terminal illness who advocated for the bill.
Governor Pritzker defended the legislation, saying it will help terminally ill patients avoid unnecessary pain and suffering and emphasized that the law would be thoughtfully implemented. Illinois joins a broader trend, with 11 other states and the District of Columbia permitting medically assisted suicide and seven additional states considering similar laws.
