Catholic groups sue New York over assisted suicide law, citing religious-liberty concerns

A coalition of Catholic religious orders and health care ministries, including the Diocese of Rockville Centre, filed a federal lawsuit against New York State on July 17. They argue that the state's new Medical Aid in Dying Act, set to take effect on August 5, compels them to violate their religious beliefs by participating in assisted suicide. The law permits terminally ill adults with a six-month prognosis to self-administer life-ending medication. The plaintiffs, represented by the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, allege the law forces Catholic health providers to counsel patients, provide referrals, and facilitate access to the procedure under threat of penalties. Bishop John O. Barres stated, "We will never submit to New York's culture of death," emphasizing their commitment to compassionate care rather than abandoning patients to death. The lawsuit seeks to protect their religious freedom to serve the sick and dying according to Catholic faith.