Illinois Legalizes Medical Aid in Dying, 13th US State

Illinois legalized medical aid in dying on Sept. 12, 2026, becoming the 13th U.S. state and the first in the Midwest to allow doctors to help terminally ill patients end their lives with medication. The law, known as 'Deb's law,' honors advocate Deb Robertson. Pope Leo XIV and disability advocates oppose it, while polls show most Americans find it morally acceptable.