Judge Blocks Blue State from Making Nuns Perform Assisted Suicide But It’s Not Over Yet

A federal judge has blocked Illinois from enforcing its new assisted suicide law against Roman Catholic plaintiffs, including Archbishop Blase Cupich and orders of nuns, as a lawsuit proceeds. The order prevents the state from compelling healthcare providers to assist with or facilitate suicides, allowing them to continue caring for patients according to their faith. The lawsuit argues that the law forces healthcare providers to either violate their religious beliefs or face penalties for speaking against assisted suicide.

• A federal judge blocked the enforcement of Illinois’ new assisted suicide law against Roman Catholic plaintiffs.
• The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Archbishop Blase Cupich of Chicago and two orders of nuns.
• The order allows plaintiffs to continue caring for patients according to their faith without being forced to assist with suicides.
• The law requires healthcare providers to inform patients about their right to assisted suicide and help them access lethal drugs.
• A pharmacist involved in the suit would be required to fill prescriptions for lethal drugs or refer patients to a pharmacy that would.
• The law was set to go into effect on September 12th, but the judge’s order came a day before.
• Becket, a legal advocacy group, is representing the plaintiffs, arguing the law attacks religious freedom.