# Religious opposition to assisted suicide and euthanasia

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/religious-opposition-to-assisted-suicide-and-euthanasia
> Updated: 2026-11-08T12:42:12.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Catholic and Orthodox religious leaders have issued guidance opposing physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia, emphasizing the importance of palliative care and human dignity.

In the United States, Catholic leaders and ethicists in Maryland are advocating for hospice care as lawmakers consider the End-of-Life Option Act. Concurrently, the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America released a pastoral letter stating that assisted suicide cannot be blessed by the Church, noting that many individuals seek such measures due to fears of losing independence.

In France, bishops have advised leaders of Catholic healthcare institutions to prepare legal and institutional resistance against the implementation of national “aid in dying” laws. Following a National Assembly vote, the bishops encouraged administrators to update statutes to ensure care remains consistent with Catholic identity, citing a Constitutional Council ruling that recognizes the freedom of association for such facilities.

## Claims

- The French bishops issued a letter to Catholic healthcare leaders following their assembly in Lourdes. (reported by 3 sources)
- The French National Assembly voted on the law regarding aid in dying on July 15. (reported by 2 sources)
- The French Constitutional Council ruled the law constitutional but included reservations regarding freedom of association. (reported by 2 sources)
- The French National Assembly voted on the (reported by 2 sources)
- The French National Assembly voted on the “aid in dying” law on July 15. (reported by 2 sources)
- The Constitutional Council recognized that healthcare facilities may refuse assisted dying if it contradicts their statutes. (reported by 2 sources)
- Bishops advised institutions to adjust their statutes to reflect their refusal of euthanasia. (reported by 1 source)
- Minister of Health Stéphanie Rist stated that implementation rules should appear in January 2027. (reported by 1 source)
- Bishops advised institutions to adjust their statutes to reflect their Catholic identity and refusal of certain acts. (reported by 1 source)
- Minister of Health Stéphanie Rist stated that implementing rules for the law should appear in January 2027. (reported by 1 source)
- The French Constitutional Council ruled the law is consistent with the Constitution. (reported by 1 source)
- Bishops advised institutions to adjust their statutes and regulations to reflect their Catholic identity. (reported by 1 source)

## Timeline

### 2026-11-08: French bishops urge Catholic healthcare facilities to resist euthanasia

French bishops are advising Catholic healthcare institutions to update their statutes to legally refuse euthanasia and assisted suicide services following new French legislation.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/french-bishops-urge-catholic-healthcare-facilities-to-resist-euthanasia

### 2026-11-05: Religious leaders oppose assisted suicide and euthanasia

Catholic and Orthodox religious leaders are advocating for palliative care and emphasizing human dignity in opposition to physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia legislation.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/religious-leaders-oppose-assisted-suicide-and-euthanasia

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Cite as: Religious opposition to assisted suicide and euthanasia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/religious-opposition-to-assisted-suicide-and-euthanasia