SPRINGFIELD—There are nine states in the U.S. in which assisted suicide is legal. With less than two weeks left in the 2023 legislative session, the Illinois General Assembly is considering a request by out-of-state groups to make Illinois one of those states where legalized physician assisted suicide is okay.  

 

According to the Catholic Conference of Illinois, proponents of the Physician Assisted Suicide (PAS) have not shared the language nor have they had any public hearings on such a radical proposal, but efforts are underway right now to rush a measure through the legislative process and to the governor for a signature. 

 

CCI writes on its website that “While we would hope such a measure would not force healthcare workers to participate in such a procedure, we have no way of guaranteeing that. We also have no way of knowing what safeguards will be put into place to protect the most vulnerable among us when faced with a terminal illness.” 

 

The hope by proponents, CCI says, “is to avoid the public scrutiny and tough questions that would normally come with discussing such a significant change to how we care for people at the end of their lives.  Denying the people of Illinois the opportunity to weigh in on such a significant policy discussion is wrong.  We need as many people as possible to let their elected officials know that legalizing physician assisted suicide should not be rushed through the legislature at the 11th hour.  Such an effort is wrong, and it should be opposed.” 

 

Therese Stahl, diocesan director of the Life and Family Evangelization Office, sent out an action alert to all parish pro-life coordinators asking them to make parishioners aware of this effort and to remind Catholics that life is a gift from God in all stages and all conditions. 

 

Bishop David Malloy also devoted his column (see page 2) to reminding Catholics of the dignity and sanctity of life and that its worth and dignity is not dependent on the absence of pain, disability or contribution to society. 

 

Catholics are asked to email or call your state representative and state senator and urge them to oppose any effort to rush such a measure through the Illinois General Assembly. To find your legislator or for a sample letter or email visit the CCI website at https://www.ilcatholic.org

 

More information about the issue of physician assisted suicide can be found at Stop Assisted Suicide Illinois or at usccb.org