Judge Shields Catholic Providers From Illinois Suicide Law

A federal judge temporarily barred Illinois from enforcing its physician-assisted suicide law against Chicago Archbishop Blase Cupich, two Catholic religious orders and an Illinois pharmacist while their federal lawsuit proceeds. The Catholic plaintiffs argue the law would force them to provide information, referrals or prescriptions for assisted suicide in violation of their religious beliefs and constitutional protections for speech and religious freedom. The order applies only to the plaintiffs and does not prevent Illinois from enforcing the law against other providers. The law allows terminally ill adults expected to live six months or less to obtain lethal medication, while supporters say it protects patient autonomy and opponents warn of faulty prognoses, untreated depression, coercion and risks to people with disabilities.