Whatever its motives and means, direct euthanasia consists in putting an end to the lives of handicapped, sick, or dying persons. It is morally unacceptable.
Thus an act or omission which, of itself or by intention, causes death in order to eliminate suffering constitutes a murder gravely contrary to the dignity of the human person and to the respect due to the living God, his Creator. The error of judgment into which one can fall in good faith does not change the nature of this murderous act, which must always be forbidden and excluded.
Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2277
Legalization in Illinois
Physician-assisted suicide will be a legal way to end human life in Illinois effective September 12, 2026.
On Dec. 12, 2025 (the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe), Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed Senate Bill 1950 into law (Public Act 104-0441), thereby legalizing assisted suicide. The legislation passed the Senate on October 31, 2025 (view the roll call of voting here) and passed the House earlier in the year. The six Catholic Bishops of Illinois, through the Catholic Conference of Illinois, had written to Gov. Pritzker on Dec. 10, 2025, urging him to veto the legislation on grounds of grave moral importance.
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What the Research Shows
An article in an Oxford academic journal, published in 2022 and shared by the National Institutes of Health, admits, “The efficacy and safety of ‘assisted dying’ drugs are currently difficult to assess, as clinician reporting is often very low.” Not only that, but this recent study refers to MAiD and similar programs as “physician-assisted suicide,” a term advocates usually avoid. Those who take assisted suicide drugs “can experience burning, nausea, vomiting and regurgitation.” The report also states: “There is also evidence that the drugs used for assisted suicide do not consistently bring about death quickly. Time to death after ingesting the lethal drugs seems highly unpredictable.” This is not mercy. This is an easy, short-term response that is convenient for doctors and insurance companies and devastating to patients.
- Thomas More Society Press Release Regarding Gov. Pritzker Signing Assisted Suicide Bill
- Assisted Suicide & Euthanasia – USCCB
- CCI – Stop Assisted Suicide Illinois
- Message and other resources from the Illinois Catholic Bishops
- Recorded CCI webinar with Fathers Harmon and Trummer of the Springfield Diocese discussing SB3499 from a Catholic perspective
- Patients Rights Council
- Patients Rights Action Fund – Fighting to end assisted suicide laws
- End of Life – Diocese of Rockford
- Joint Statement Against Assisted Suicide for Eating Disorders
Catholic Statements on the Legalization of Assisted Suicide in Illinois
Assisted Suicide News from the Diocese of Rockford
Bishop Malloy’s
March 12, 2025, Letter to the Faithful (English)
March 12, 2025, Letter to the Faithful (Español)
October 31, 2025, Response to SB 1950 Being Passed (English)
October 31, 2025, Response to SB 1950 Being Passed (Español)
Dec. 12, 2025, Statement on ‘Abhorrent’ Assisted Suicide Law (English)
Dec. 12, 2025, Statement on ‘Abhorrent’ Assisted Suicide Law (Español)