A controversial measure that would make Illinois a "right-to-die" state is awaiting Governor J.B. Pritzker's signature, but he said he has not decided whether he'll sign it into law.
The state Legislature gave final approval early last Friday morning to the bill from Aurora state Senate Democrat Linda Holmes, that would allow a terminally ill patient to have access to a lethal dose of drugs, if two doctors have confirmed the patient has fewer than six months to live.
After an event in Glen Ellyn on Monday, the governor told reporters he was surprised by the Legislature's vote.
"It was something I didn't expect and I didn't know was going to be voted on," he said, adding that he is still going over provisions of the measure, which opponents say would leave vulnerable people open to being exploited by family members or doctors.
But he said he understood how difficult the end of life can be for someone with a terminal diagnosis.
"I know how terrible it is that someone who's in the last six months of their life could be facing terrible pain and anguish," Pritzker said. "I know people who have gone through that, I know people whose family members have gone through that and so it hits me deeply."
Eleven other states and the District of Columbia have some kind of "right to die" laws on their books.
Holmes has said she believes the Governor will sign the bill.