Published on March 11, 2026 10:31 am
Last Updated on March 11, 2026 10:32 am
Members of the Effingham County Board’s Administrative Committee voted this week to send a resolution to the full board, opposing the Illinois Physician-Assisted Suicide Bill.
The state bill takes effect on Thursday, and is also known as the medical aid in dying bill.
The Board in 2018 affirmed “the protection of all human life is in the interest of the people of Effingham County.” The draft resolution states only God has the authority to determine the time and manner of an innocent person’s death, and that such decisions “should not rest in the hands of individuals, medical professionals, or governmental policy.”
Local resident Valerie Kemme spoke on behalf of the committee’s action and in favor of a mental health evaluation for each person considering an end-of-life decision.
Another local resident Mary Ann Hoeffliger spoke against the committee’s action, writing that “the compassionate view is to honor and respect the individual’s right to privacy in his or her final decisions.” Hoeffliger suggested the Board’s time might be better spent asking questions about the state of end-of-life care in Effingham County.
The full Board will consider the measure on Monday.
