A federal judge ruled this week that Catholic orders of nuns in New York will not be compelled by state law to recommend medically assisted suicide to their patients while a legal challenge is pending.

In late June, four orders of Catholic nuns along with several Catholic healthcare ministries sued the state of New York over a new law that mandates healthcare providers assist terminally ill patients in ending their lives. The plaintiffs argue this requirement severely violates their Catholic faith.

Mark Rienzi, president of Becket and lead attorney for the healthcare ministries, stated, "Forcing Catholic nuns to participate in suicide — and robbing New Yorkers of the choice to receive faithful, life-affirming care— is both unlawful and unjust. This agreement protects the sisters and those they care for while we fight to end New York’s suicide mandate for good."

Becket successfully appealed to a federal court to block the law before it was set to take effect on August 5, 2026. According to the law, healthcare providers who decline to prescribe lethal medication must still inform terminally ill patients of their right to assisted suicide, assist them in meeting the requirements to obtain such medication, and refer them to willing providers.

The Prioress General of the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm commented, "Families entrust their loved ones to us because they know our homes will be places of tenderness, dignity, and faithful care. Until our legal fight is resolved, this temporary agreement keeps our ministries free to serve every patient according to the Gospel."

The lawsuit highlights concerns that federal law prohibits New York from discriminating against healthcare providers who object to assisted suicide, yet the state has proceeded with enforcement measures that include significant fines, license revocation, or even imprisonment for refusal.

Sources