Federal Judge Shields 4 New York Nun Orders From Assisted Suicide Law
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Aug 6
Federal Judge Shields 4 New York Nun Orders From Assisted Suicide Law
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 6
Summary
A July 30 federal order lets four Catholic nun orders avoid complying with New York’s assisted-suicide law while their lawsuit proceeds, even after the statute took effect Wednesday.
More than 10 Catholic plaintiffs argue the Medical Aid in Dying Act would force religious providers to counsel terminally ill patients on assisted suicide, make referrals and potentially allow it in their facilities.
The law, signed in February, permits adults 18 and older with terminal illness and six months or less to live to request and self-administer life-ending medication.
Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office says participation is entirely voluntary and religious facilities may opt out, while the state Health Department drafts implementing regulations.
Becket, representing the nuns, said the court could issue an initial ruling within two to six months in a case it casts as a broader test of religious freedom.