Federal Judge Halts Law Forcing Nuns to Recommend Assisted Suicide
A federal judge has decided that orders of Catholic nuns will not be compelled by state law in New York to recommend medically assisted suicide to patients, pending a court case. The decision came after several orders of Catholic nuns and Catholic healthcare ministries sued the state in late June over a law that would require them to assist terminally ill patients in ending their lives. This assistance conflicts deeply with their Catholic beliefs.
“Forcing Catholic nuns to participate in suicide, and denying New Yorkers the choice to receive faithful, life-affirming care, is both unlawful and unjust,” stated Mark Rienzi, president of Becket and lead attorney for the healthcare ministries. “This agreement protects the sisters and those they care for while we fight to overturn New York’s suicide mandate.”
Becket managed to appeal to a federal court successfully, blocking the law from taking effect on August 5.
The implications of the law were dire, as highlighted in a press release from a legal firm. Starting August 5, healthcare providers who refused to prescribe suicide pills would still have to inform terminally ill patients about their right to end their lives, help them meet the requirements for obtaining suicide pills, and direct them to a willing provider. Such refusals could result in significant fines, license revocation, or imprisonment.
Federal regulations prohibit discrimination against healthcare providers who oppose assisted suicide, yet New York proceeded with this mandate regardless.
Several Catholic leaders expressed their views regarding the ongoing case. Mother Mary Rose Heery, O. Carm., General Prioress of the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm stated, “Families entrust their loved ones to us because they appreciate our homes’ environments of tenderness, dignity, and faithful care. We are pleased to continue honoring this trust, staying with each resident until the end.”
Sister Justyna Owsiejko, O.S.B., of the Missionary Sisters of St. Benedict affirmed, “Our home offers a space where the elderly can end their days surrounded by peace, prayer, and loving sisters. These residents can rest assured that assisted suicide will not penetrate their sanctuary at this time.”
Bishop John O. Barres of the Rockville Centre Diocese, New York said, “This agreement is a vital first step towards safeguarding religious freedom. New York cannot force the Church to answer suffering with suicide or forsake the sick during crucial moments of care.” He added, “The ongoing legal battle permits our ministries to serve according to Gospel principles, reinforcing that every human life possesses sanctity and deserves love until its natural conclusion.”