Four Illinois physicians, a Catholic bishop, and a Lutheran care center have won temporary protection from the state’s new assisted suicide law, following a federal lawsuit challenging the law’s requirements for health care providers who object on religious or ethical grounds.
The Thomas More Society filed the lawsuit on August 11, asking the federal court to block Illinois’ “End of Life Options” Act before it takes effect on September 12. Under a temporary order entered August 21, Illinois has agreed not to enforce the law against the named plaintiffs while the case proceeds.
The order protects the doctors and faith-based providers from requirements that could force them to promote or refer patients for assisted suicide or face penalties, including fines, loss of licensure, or criminal prosecution.
The protection is temporary, and the broader legal challenge remains ongoing. The case is expected to continue after a separate appeal involving Illinois’ Health Care Right of Conscience Act is resolved.
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