SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — After an emotional debate, a proposal to provide options for people who only have months to live has passed one chamber of the Illinois statehouse.

The bill to offer medical aid in dying to people with terminal illnesses, sponsored by Rep. Robyn Gabel, passed the House of Representatives Thursday evening 63-42. It now heads to the Senate.

The bill would require multiple steps before any medication is offered, including a waiting period of five days before a doctor can proceed and two witnesses to verify the person is of sound mind. In order to be considered terminal under the law, the person must have gotten a diagnosis that they only have six months or less to live. Additionally, the option would only be available for adults 18 or older who are able to orally ask for the procedure; no caregivers or guardians would be able to request it for the person they care for.

Supporters of the bill called it a win for terminally ill individuals.

“We are so grateful for House Majority Leader Robyn Gabel, all of our sponsors, our dedicated legislative champions, and the members of the Illinois House for their leadership in advancing this critical and compassionate legislation,” Callie Riley, Regional Advocacy Director for Compassion & Choices Action Network said. “We are very excited and we look forward to working with the legislators in the Senate to pass this important bill and deliver it to Governor Pritzker’s desk for his signature.”

Many legislators on both sides of the proposed legislation shared personal stories of taking care of loved ones on the floor.

Several anti-abortion groups are against the measure, saying the idea devalues human life.

“Legalizing [physician-assisted suicide] sends a dangerous message that some lives are less valuable than others, particularly those facing illness or disability,” Illinois Right to Life President Mary Kate Zander said in an email Thursday morning urging supporters to lobby against the bill.