Lawsuit Challenges Illinois’ Assisted Suicide Law

Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich is joining a federal lawsuit aimed at blocking Illinois’ new right-to-die law before it takes effect September 12th. The measure would allow doctors to prescribe life-ending medication to terminally ill patients who choose to end their own lives. Cupich, two orders of nuns, and a downstate pharmacist argue the law is unconstitutional and violates deeply held religious and moral beliefs. In a statement, the cardinal said Catholics oppose efforts that he says undermine human dignity by pushing people toward suicide. Supporters of the law say it gives terminally ill patients compassion, control, and choice.