Metro East Sun

Ray Wesley, Chairman of the Madison County Republicans, has expressed strong opposition to a proposed Illinois assisted suicide bill. He described it as "a disgrace that devalues human dignity and corrupts the medical profession." Wesley made his statement to Metro East Sun on February 26.

"The proposed bill to legalize assisted suicide in Illinois is a disgrace, undermining the state's duty to protect its most vulnerable citizens," said Wesley. "It devalues the dignity of human life by presenting death as a solution rather than ensuring proper care and support for the terminally ill. Allowing physicians to prescribe lethal drugs turns healers into enablers of death, violating the ethical foundation of medicine. Instead of promoting despair, Illinois lawmakers should focus on providing true compassion through life-affirming alternatives."

According to Capitol News Illinois, state lawmakers are currently considering legalizing medical aid in dying (MAID) for terminally ill patients with less than six months to live. Senate Bill 9, sponsored by Senator Linda Holmes, would permit doctors to prescribe but not administer lethal drugs. Some doctors have voiced concerns about potential abuse due to weak safeguards, while disability advocates have raised issues regarding misdiagnoses and coercion. The Catholic Church and other opponents of abortion and euthanasia also reject MAID. Holmes supports the bill, citing personal experiences with her parents' cancer battles, though the issue remains contentious.

Axios Chicago reported that if passed, Illinois would become the 11th state to legalize MAID. Since its introduction in Oregon in 1994, 5,329 patients—mostly cancer patients with a median age of 74—have utilized MAID. The American Medical Association opposes MAID, arguing it is incompatible with a physician’s role. Other states such as Wisconsin and Massachusetts are considering similar legislation.

Wesley was elected Chairman of the Madison County Republican Party in October 2019. His focus includes communicating conservative values and addressing key issues for Madison County voters. His responsibilities encompass fundraising, growing party membership, and increasing voter turnout. Wesley resides in Godfrey with his wife.