New York City – Archbishop Ronald Hicks, the Archdiocese of New York and the Catholic health‑care ministry ArchCare have aligned with four orders of Catholic nuns in a federal lawsuit challenging the state’s Medical Aid in Dying Act. The suit, filed as Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm v. James, seeks court protection that would allow Catholic health‑care providers to refuse participation in assisted‑suicide procedures.
Legal basis and religious‑liberty claim
Represented by the religious‑liberty law firm Becket, the plaintiffs argue that the law, signed by Governor Kathy Hochul and effective August 5, would compel them to help terminally ill patients “kill themselves in violation of their faith.” Counsel Ben Fleshman said the statute would force providers to act against deeply held beliefs that human life is sacred and a gift from God.
Archbishop Hicks’ response
In a statement, Archbishop Hicks emphasized the Catholic commitment to compassion, saying, “As Catholics, we are guided by the compassion of Jesus to serve those of every background who are in need of healing. We refuse to allow New York to force us to harm the very ones we’ve been called to care for.” He is now requesting the same temporary protection that was granted to the nuns and ministries on July 30.
Opposition from medical‑aid advocates
Supporters of the law, including Kevin Díaz, president and CEO of Compassion & Choices, argue that the legislation already includes exemptions for providers who do not wish to prescribe the medication. Díaz warned that the lawsuit could “silence doctors” and jeopardize timely access for patients seeking lawful end‑of‑life care.
What the lawsuit seeks
According to Becket’s press materials, the case is not aimed at overturning the law but at securing exemptions that would protect Catholic institutions from potential penalties such as fines, loss of professional licenses, or even imprisonment for refusing to participate.
Current status
The federal case is in its early stages, and the governor’s office has not responded to requests for comment. The outcome could set a precedent for how religious institutions are treated under New York’s assisted‑suicide framework.
Original reporting: CBS 6 WRGB Albany (local) — read the source article.
