Cardinal Cupich, Catholic groups sue Illinois to block assisted-suicide law

Chicago Archbishop Cardinal Blase Cupich, two Catholic religious orders and an Illinois pharmacist have filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block Illinois’ End-of-Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act before it takes effect Sept. 12. The law allows adults diagnosed by two physicians with a terminal illness expected to cause death within six months to request and self-administer life-ending medication after receiving information about hospice, palliative and other care options. The plaintiffs argue that the law violates religious freedom by requiring Catholic providers and objecting pharmacists to discuss assisted dying, help patients qualify, refer them to willing providers or dispense the medication, potentially under threat of fines. Supporters describe the law as a patient-choice measure, while the plaintiffs say it conflicts with Catholic teaching and federal protections for providers who refuse to participate. The case is among several legal challenges to assisted-suicide laws in Illinois and New York.