New York Court Grants Temporary Relief to Catholic Nuns Over Assisted Suicide Law

Four Catholic religious orders and a Catholic health network in New York sued the state over its new assisted‑suicide law, arguing that the requirement to counsel terminal patients about end‑of‑life options, including suicide, violates their religious freedom. The law, set to take effect on August 5, would make New York the 14th state to permit assisted suicide and includes an opt‑out provision for providers, but still obliges them to discuss all options.

U.S. District Judge Anne Nardacci issued a consent order on July 30 that temporarily bars the state from forcing the sisters and affiliated health ministries to participate in the assisted‑suicide process while the lawsuit proceeds. The plaintiffs are represented by the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, with attorney Benjamin Fleshman stating the law forces them to aid in actions contrary to their faith. Governor Kathy Hochul defended the legislation as a protection of bodily autonomy.

The temporary injunction is described by the religious groups as a major victory for religious liberty, halting enforcement of the law against the nuns and Catholic health providers until the case is heard.