New Plaintiffs Join Suit Against Aid-In-Dying Law

Five religious health care associations and two individual plaintiffs have joined a federal lawsuit challenging Illinois’ medical aid-in-dying law. The Thomas More Society says the organizations now involved represent more than 95 percent of Catholic health institutions in the state that oppose the law on conscience grounds.

Peter Breen, executive vice president and head of litigation for the Thomas More Society, says the First Amendment protects Catholic and Christian doctors, hospitals, and health care ministries that reject assisted suicide.

The lawsuit argues the law forces religious providers into conflict with their beliefs. Supporters of medical aid-in-dying say it gives terminally ill patients more control over end-of-life decisions.