‘Saddened’ OSF, Tylka to disallow medical aid in dying as governor makes it legal

PEORIA (25News Now) - OSF, Central Illinois’ largest healthcare provider, said it will not participate in any physician-assisted suicide after Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed into law the Medical Aid in Dying Bill (Senate Bill 1950).

Carle Health, another of this area’s largest healthcare providers, has not determined whether it will offer terminally ill patients the option of seeking medication to end their lives.

Both organizations released statements on Friday. Peoria-based OSF, runs hospitals 17 hospitals including in the River City and Bloomington.

OSF considers itself a Catholic health ministry founded by the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis.

“OSF HealthCare is saddened to hear that Governor Pritzker signed SB 1950 into law. As a Catholic health ministry, OSF is guided by honoring the dignity of every human person and we will not participate in or support any form of physician-assisted suicide. These practices are fundamentally inconsistent with our Mission to serve with the greatest care and love. We will always uphold the sacredness of human life from conception through natural death.

During the next nine months, when the legislation takes effect, we will work to educate our patients, the public, and our Mission Partners about the legislation. We remain fully committed to compassionate, person-centered care for those facing serious illness, end-of-life decisions, or significant suffering. We will continue to provide robust palliative care, hospice, pain management, emotional support, and spiritual care to patients and families, ensuring that no one feels alone or without options during their most vulnerable moments."

The head of the Catholic Diocese of Peoria, Bishop Louis Tylka, has been an outspoken critic of the legislation. He released the following statement, saying that palliative care can comfort the sick and the dying.

“I am deeply saddened by the news that Governor Pritzker has signed into law the assisted suicide bill. Life is a precious gift from God, and this law clearly does not recognize this gift. There are other ways, namely palliative care, that can accompany the sick and dying. I pray that we, as Catholic citizens of the state, will continue our efforts to support a culture of life and provide the necessary care for our sisters and brothers who need love and compassion as they confront their illness and dying.”

Carle Health, which also serves Peoria, Bloomington-Normal, and other communities, is not a religious organization. In a statement, Carle said it is undecided how it will react to the new law.

“We are aware of Gov. Pritzker signing Senate Bill 1950 into law. The bill is complex, and our medical leadership will be reviewing the details closely to understand its full implications. This legislation does not have an immediate effective date, and we are continuing to follow our current policies to support patients at this time.”

The governor’s office said Friday that “no physician, health care provider or pharmacist is required to administer the end-of-life medication.

Two physicians must agree that the terminally ill patient has less than six months to live, patients must be informed about other end-of-life care options, and a physician must confirm the patient has the mental capacity to make medical decisions.

Coercing anyone to request the medication and forging a request will become a felony crime.

Illinois becomes the 13th state to authorize the end-of-life option. The law takes effect in September of 2026.

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