Illinois law allowing physician-assisted suicide takes effect

The End of Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act took effect in Illinois on Sept. 12, legalizing physician-assisted suicide in the state.

Jozef Zalot, a bioethicist and director of education with the National Catholic Bioethics Center, is conducting education efforts to help Catholics understand Church teaching on the matter. Zalot noted that many faithful Catholics may not fully grasp why the Church opposes these practices or what the consequences of legalization are.

Zalot is scheduled to hold a workshop in Chicago on Sept. 26 for priests, clergy, and those in pro-life ministry. The session is intended to help these individuals apply Church teaching regarding physician-assisted suicide.