Catholic Groups Sue Illinois Over Assisted-Suicide Law

Illinois is facing multiple federal legal challenges to its End-of-Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act, which would allow terminally ill adults to obtain life-ending medication prescribed by physicians. Cardinal Blase Cupich, two Catholic religious orders and a pharmacist argue that provisions requiring providers to discuss assisted suicide, refer patients to willing providers and avoid interfering with patients’ access violate their religious freedom and conscience rights. Supporters, including the ACLU of Illinois, reject the claim that the law compels participation and say religious objections should not prevent other patients from accessing the option. Separately, disability-rights organizations, a physician and disabled Illinois residents contend that the law discriminates against people with disabilities and could expose economically vulnerable patients to coercion or biased judgments about their quality of life. A federal judge is weighing whether to block the law before its scheduled Sept. 12 effective date.