Presented by the Chicago Area Villages Collaborative

On September 12, Deb’s Law, or the medical aid in dying bill, will go into effect in Illinois. Join us to learn more about Deb’s Law – what it means, who qualifies, and why it matters. Speakers for this session will include Majority Leader Robyn Gabel, State Representative for the 18th District; and Khadine Bennett, Director of Advocacy and Intergovernmental Affairs or ACLU of Illinois.

Speaker Bios:

Majority Leader Robyn Gabel, State Representative, 18th District

Evanstonian Robyn Gabel has represented the 18th Illinois district of the Illinois House of Representatives since 2010 and, from 2023 to the present, has served as the House Majority Leader. She stands out as an independent legislative leader who gets results, which has earned her numerous awards. Gabel served as chief negotiator for the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), a landmark legislation designed to protect our environment. As the House’s Chief Budget Negotiator, she has focused on developing fiscally and socially responsible budgets, expanding affordability and access to quality healthcare, shaping comprehensive clean-energy policy, and protecting Illinois’s most vulnerable residents. Gabel served as lead negotiator for the medical-aid in-dying bill (Deb’s Law), which will go into effect on September 12, 2026.

Khadine Bennett, Director of Advocacy and Intergovernmental Affairs, ACLU of Illinois

Khadine Bennett is the Director of Advocacy and Intergovernmental Affairs with the ACLU of Illinois. Regularly testifying before the Illinois House and Senate, Bennett seeks support for the ACLU’s initiatives and priorities. She has advanced a wide range of issues, including privacy and technology concerns; policing, criminal; and first-amendment, LGBT, juvenile, and reproductive justice matters. Bennett worked closely with State Representative Robyn Gabel in shaping the medical-aid-in-dying bill (Deb’s law), which Governor JB Pritzker signed in December 2025.

What is the Chicago Area Villages Collaborative?
There are eight “Villages” in the Chicago area, all part of the international Village
Movement—grassroots organizations of older adults designed to help people
age and thrive in their communities. Each Village reflects its community and
leadership. We invite you contact a Village in your area to
learn more about what we do and how you can join.