A federal judge has ruled that Catholic nuns in New York will not be compelled by state law to recommend medically assisted suicide to their patients while legal proceedings continue. Four orders of Catholic nuns, alongside several Catholic healthcare ministries, initiated a lawsuit against the state of New York in late June. The new legislation mandates assistance in end-of-life measures, which contradicts their religious beliefs.
Mark Rienzi, president of Becket and lead attorney for the healthcare ministries, commented, “Forcing Catholic nuns to participate in suicide, and denying New Yorkers the choice to receive life-affirming care, is both unlawful and unjust.” He emphasized that the agreement allows the sisters and those they care for to be protected, as the fight against New York’s suicide mandate continues.
Becket successfully appealed to postpone the law’s implementation beyond its intended start on August 5.
A federal court ruled that nuns will not be forced to recommend medically-assisted suicide for patients while the court case goes on.
The law firm outlined the critical nature of the situation in a press release: from August 5, healthcare providers opposing suicide prescriptions still face obligations to inform patients of their rights, assist them in getting suicide pills, and refer them to willing providers. Refusal risks severe penalties, including fines, license revocation, or imprisonment.
According to the statement, “Federal law forbids New York from discriminating against healthcare providers who object to assisted suicide, but New York has done so anyway.”
Statements from Catholic Church leaders provide further insight into the ongoing case. Mother Mary Rose Heery, O. Carm., Prioress General of the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue providing dignified and faithful care. Sister Justyna Owsiejko, O.S.B., of the Missionary Sisters of St. Benedict, reinforced their commitment to ensuring that elderly residents can spend their final days peacefully, with assurance that assisted suicide will not intrude.
Bishop John O. Barres, Bishop of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, New York, remarked on the importance of the agreement in safeguarding religious freedom, stating, “New York cannot force the Church to answer suffering with suicide or abandon the sick and dying when they need care most.” He added that until the legal matter is concluded, the temporary agreement enables the ministries to serve patients according to Gospel values, affirming that every human life holds sacred worth until its natural end.