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Catholic Orders Sue Illinois to Block Assisted-Suicide Law

9/7/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, two Catholic orders and pharmacist Luke Vander Bleek filed a lawsuit against Illinois over assisted-suicide law.
Plaintiffs say the End-of-Life Options Terminally Ill Patients Act forces them to inform, refer and dispense drugs.
Attorney Mark Rienzi of Becket seeks a federal injunction before the law takes effect on Sept. 12, 2026.
A federal court will decide whether to block the law before its Sept. 12, 2026 start.

History

Historical Context

Washington v. Glucksberg (argued Jan 8 1997, decided June 26 1997) saw the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously reject a constitutional right to assisted suicide. Chief Justice William Rehnquist authored the opinion. The ruling shaped later state measures, such as Washington’s 2008 Death with Dignity Act, which passed 58%–42%, and fuels ongoing debates over new assisted-suicide laws.

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Story summary

Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, two Catholic orders and pharmacist Luke Vander Bleek filed a lawsuit against Illinois over assisted-suicide law.
Plaintiffs say the End-of-Life Options Terminally Ill Patients Act forces them to inform, refer and dispense drugs.
Attorney Mark Rienzi of Becket seeks a federal injunction before the law takes effect on Sept. 12, 2026.
A federal court will decide whether to block the law before its Sept. 12, 2026 start.

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