‘Right to Die’ signing reminds me once again why I’m a proud Illinoisan

 ‘Right to Die’ signing reminds me once again why I’m a proud Illinoisan

 

It took a while but I knew Gov. JB Pritzker would sign legislation allowing doctors to help terminally ill people end their lives. Illinois becomes just the 11th state to allow assisted suicide.

 

In signing the bill Pritzker said he was moved by supporters “dedication to standing up for freedom and choice at the end of life in the midst of personal heartbreak. Today, Illinois honors their strength and courage by enacting legislation that enables patients faced with debilitating terminal illnesses to make a decision, in consultation with a doctor, that helps them avoid unnecessary pain and suffering at the end of their lives,”

 

Right to die joins other sensible policy measures Illinois enacted to make life better for all Illinoisans.

 

In 2011 Illinois became the 16th state to abolish the barbaric death penalty. In the 14 years since just 7 more states followed Illinois’ sensible lead.

 

Two years later Illinois became the 16th state to legalize same sex marriage. Had not the Supreme Court legalized it nationally, Illinois would likely still be an outlier in respecting every person’s marriage partner choice.

 

Illinois has always been in the forefront protecting a woman’s right to choose. So much so that many from nearby anti-abortion states travel to Illinois for pregnancy care denied them by their cruel home states.

 

Just recently, Illinois government pushed back hard against Trump storm troopers masquerading as law enforcement but simply causing chaos and societal disruption on Chicago’s streets.

 

Illinois has problems. But overall it is among the most decent, caring states for anyone to reside in. I’ve been privileged to enjoy humane Illinois governance now for 80 years.

 

Walt Zlotow   Glen Ellyn IL

substack.com/Walt Zlotow