Cardinal Cupich, nuns win reprieve against Illinois assisted suicide law (EWTN News)

In brief

A federal district judge has temporarily blocked the enforcement of an Illinois assisted suicide law against the Archdiocese of Chicago and two religious institutes. The court's decision stays the provisions of the Illinois End-of-Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act while a lawsuit filed by the Church and a pharmacist moves through the legal system.

The lawsuit seeks to prevent the state from requiring healthcare providers to inform patients about the benefits of suicide or their right to end their lives. It also challenges requirements that compel providers to help patients qualify for lethal drugs or refer them to others who will. Cardinal Blase Cupich, the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm, and the Little Sisters of the Poor argue these mandates violate constitutional protections for religious freedom and speech.

Cardinal Cupich stated that the Church is not trying to impose its teachings on non-Catholics but is instead working to stop the state from forcing Catholic healthcare providers to act against their consciences. The plaintiffs are seeking to have these specific provisions of the law struck down permanently.