# US medical aid-in-dying legislation expansion > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-medical-aid-in-dying-legislation-expansion > Updated: 2026-09-23T10:14:12.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2. Medical aid-in-dying laws are expanding in the United States, with Illinois and New York becoming the latest of 13 states to legalize the practice. These laws allow terminally ill patients with an incurable illness and a life expectancy of six months or less to self-administer medication to end their lives. The expansion has faced significant opposition. In Illinois, Catholic leaders, including Cardinal Blase Cupich and various orders of nuns, filed a lawsuit to block the End-of-Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act. Represented by the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, the plaintiffs argue the law forces Catholic healthcare ministries to choose between their religious teachings and facing state penalties. While proponents and polls suggest broad support for the practice, opponents include religious groups, lawmakers, and disability advocates. Pope Leo XIV expressed disappointment regarding the Illinois legislation, citing the Catholic Church’s condemnation of the practice. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-23: Medical aid-in-dying laws expand in New York and Illinois New York and Illinois have joined 11 other U.S. states in legalizing medical aid-in-dying for terminally ill patients, amid ongoing debate from religious and disability advocates. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/medical-aid-in-dying-laws-expand-in-new-york-and-illinois ### 2026-09-08: Catholic leaders sue Illinois over assisted suicide law Catholic leaders and nuns in Illinois have filed a lawsuit to block the End-of-Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act, alleging it violates religious freedom. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/catholic-leaders-sue-illinois-over-assisted-suicide-law --- Cite as: US medical aid-in-dying legislation expansion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-medical-aid-in-dying-legislation-expansion