METROPOLIS – State Representative Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis) was a vocal opponent of legislation that would legalize physician-assisted suicide for the first time in Illinois.

The House Republican Floor Leader and Representative of the 117th District voted no on SB 1950 at the conclusion of the spring 2025 legislative session. The legislation would be held up in the Illinois Senate until it passed during the recent October 2025 veto session. The measure now sits on Governor Pritzker’s desk awaiting his signature.

Rep. Windhorst is leading an effort to collect online petition signatures from Illinois residents, urging Governor Pritzker to veto the legislation.

“I have built a 100% pro-life voting record as State Representative, so my advocacy against physician-assisted suicide is consistent with the fact that I value the sanctity of human life,” Windhorst said. “I do not think allowing physician-assisted suicide is the right direction for healthcare in our state. I am collecting petition signatures to present to the Governor so that he is aware of the strong resistance that exists to the practice of physician-assisted suicide among Illinoisans.”

The petition language is as follows.

“We urge you to veto Senate Bill 1950, which would legalize physician-assisted suicide in our state. While we recognize the importance of compassionate end-of-life care, we believe SB 1950 poses serious ethical, medical, and societal risks. Instead of legalizing assisted suicide, we urge you to champion expanded access to hospice, palliative care, mental health services, and support for caregivers—solutions that affirm life and dignity without crossing ethical boundaries. Governor Pritzker, we ask you to stand with us in protecting the most vulnerable and upholding the integrity of our healthcare system. Please veto SB 1950.”

The petition can be signed by visiting https://repwindhorst.com/stop-assisted-suicide-in-illinois.