A federal court order is protecting more than 95% of Catholic health care institutions in Illinois from enforcement of the state’s assisted suicide law, according to the Thomas More Society.
The order, agreed to by Illinois officials, also covers members of several Catholic and Christian medical associations, including physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals. It prevents state agencies from penalizing covered providers for refusing to participate in assisted suicide or refer patients to providers who offer it.
The Thomas More Society filed the lawsuit challenging the law, which took effect in September and includes requirements for discussing and referring patients for assisted suicide. The temporary order remains in effect while the court considers a request for a preliminary injunction.