The Thomas More Society has filed a federal lawsuit challenging Illinois’ new assisted suicide law, seeking to block it before it takes effect on September 12.

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Springfield Bishop Thomas Paprocki, the Lutheran Care Center and four Illinois physicians who object to participating in or promoting assisted suicide on religious and professional grounds.

The plaintiffs argue that the state’s “End of Life Options” Act forces doctors and religious health care institutions to facilitate assisted suicide despite their conscientious objections. Among other requirements, the law allegedly requires physicians to discuss the claimed “benefits” of assisted suicide and refer patients to providers who prescribe suicide drugs.

The lawsuit also challenges provisions affecting religious health care institutions, including requirements involving employees who promote or assist in assisted suicide.

“Assisting someone in committing suicide is the opposite of caring; it is abandonment of the worst kind,” said Dr. Mary Keen, one of the physician plaintiffs.

The Thomas More Society says the law threatens religious liberty, free speech and the ability of health care professionals to practice according to their medical and religious convictions.

The plaintiffs plan to seek a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to prevent the law from taking effect while the federal case proceeds.

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