Federal Judge Blocks New York Assisted‑Suicide Law for Catholic Sisters

On July 30, 2026 a U.S. District Judge, Anne M. Nardacci, issued a temporary restraining order that bars New York State from enforcing the Medical Aid in Dying Act against four Catholic religious orders and their health‑care ministries. The protected groups are the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm, the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne, the Missionary Sisters of St. Benedict, and the Little Sisters of the Poor. They sued Attorney General Letitia James, arguing that the law would force them to assist terminally ill patients in suicide, violating their religious conscience.

The order remains in effect until the court either denies the plaintiffs’ emergency motion, grants the state’s anticipated motion to dismiss, or issues a further order lifting the protection. Judge Nardacci also set August 20 as the deadline for the attorney general to respond. Governor Kathy Hochul signed the law in February, saying it includes safeguards for patient autonomy. Sister Justyna Owsiejko said, “Our home exists so that elderly people can spend their final days surrounded by peace, prayer, and the Sisters who love them.” Mother Mary Rose Heery added that families trust the sisters to provide dignified care.

The case pits religious‑freedom claims against the state’s assisted‑suicide policy, drawing national attention to the balance between faith‑based objections and patient rights.