“I’m Facing Mortality, You’re Not”: Terminally Ill Individuals Advocate for More States to Legalize Physician-Assisted Death

At a restaurant just outside Chicago, Deb Robertson sat with her teenage grandson to broach the topic of her impending death.

She calmly discussed missing milestones like his high school graduation, declining extended warranties, and contemplating who might attend her funeral. While these conversations may unnerve some, Robertson faced them head-on, not with fear but with a sense of control.

Recently diagnosed with spreading cancerous tumors in her liver, Robertson found unexpected solace in a bill progressing through the Illinois Legislature. The proposed legislation would grant certain terminally ill patients the option to end their lives with medical assistance. Learning of this development, she shed tears—not out of fear, but out of relief.

Robertson clarified to her grandson that this wasn’t about choosing death but rather about having agency over the end of her life—a final act of autonomy in the face of fate.

Such discussions are increasingly commonplace in households and legislative chambers across the nation. At least 12 states are currently considering bills to legalize physician-assisted death, joining the eight states and Washington, D.C., where it’s already permitted.

However, the issue remains contentious, with moral objections from religious groups and lawmakers who view it as normalizing suicide. Advocates argue for autonomy and compassion, emphasizing the importance of empowering individuals to dictate their end-of-life decisions.

Rod Azama’s harrowing experience with his wife’s excruciating pain drove home the urgent need for such legislation. As her agony pierced through even heavy doses of morphine, she begged for release. Eventually, they made the arduous journey to Oregon, where physician-assisted death was legal, sparing her further suffering.

Stories like Azama’s underscore the profound impact of legislation on end-of-life care. While opponents worry about potential abuses, proponents advocate for safeguards to ensure informed decisions.

Gary Drake’s journey to Oregon, chronicled in a poignant Facebook post, exemplifies the desperation of those facing terminal illness. His decision to embrace physician-assisted death offered him a sense of peace and control in his final moments, surrounded by loved ones.

As the debate rages on, individuals like Robertson, Azama, and Drake confront mortality with courage and conviction. Their stories serve as powerful reminders of the profound impact of legislation on end-of-life choices—and the importance of honoring individuals’ autonomy and dignity until the very end.