As some of you may know, the Illinois senate is currently looking at the Illinois End of life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act (SB 3499). This legislation would allow a person to obtain a prescription medication they make choose to self-administer, to allow them a quick and peaceful death. Death is not always a short process, and can sometimes drag out and be excruciatingly painful, despite extensive efforts by the Hospice care team. I believe passing Bill 3499 would be beneficial to the patients in Illinois. It is well thought out with its criteria and safeguards.
Allowing this type of drug to be accessible to patients can be dangerous and have some serious risks. The bill requires that the individual must be able to self-ingest the medication, have a life expectancy of 6 months or less, and be in a sound state of mind. To help prevent coercion, two physicians must assess the patient to deem them eligible and educate them on their end-of-life options. There are also provisions protecting the medical staff involved from liability and allowing the patient to change their mind at any time. With the requirement that the patient must be able to self-administer, this puts the patient in control of the situation.
Having an option like this can bring extreme peace to a patient facing the end of life. Dying is a new experience for us all, and it can be scary with all the unknowns as a patient. No matter how much the medical team will educate you, knowing that there is still potential for long term suffering can cause man patients to become anxious. Other states offer end of life medication, and often the patient does not use the medicine. It is mostly that the patient is looking for the assurance that it will be peaceful, and they have the option if needed.
The Illinois End of Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act (SB3499) would be a powerful addition to Illinois. Everyone deserves the right to be able to pass away peacefully, and with as little anxiety as possible. This bill covers all necessary precautions to assure the safety of Illinois residents, and it should be passed.
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