Catholic Bishops Oppose Dangerous Illinois Bill to Legalize Assisted Suicide

Catholic bishops across Illinois are urging the faithful to act quickly as a bill that would legalize assisted suicide could soon be sent to the state Senate for a vote.

The Catholic Conference of Illinois, the public policy voice of the state’s bishops, issued a strong statement urging Catholics to contact their state senators and voice opposition, warning that the bill, Senate Bill 9, threatens the sanctity of human life.

“[L]egalizing assisted suicide goes against the Church’s teachings on the sanctity and dignity of human life,” the bishops said. “It undermines the value of each human person, particularly those who are vulnerable.”

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The bill, which passed the Senate Executive Committee April 9, could be debated and voted on at any time before the legislative session ends May 31. To make it easier for Catholics to take action against the bill, the bishops have provided a pre-written message that the faithful can send directly to their state senators. The message template also has a section for adding a personal message.

In their recent statement, the bishops raised alarms over the consequences seen in other states where assisted suicide is legal, noting that vulnerable individuals, including those with rare conditions needing specialized treatment, have been offered lethal drugs instead of the care they need. They warned that such laws could pressure the poor, the disabled, and others on the margins to end their lives rather than receive support.

“Illinois does not need to legalize assisted suicide,” they said. “What we truly need is increased access to quality health care, enhanced palliative care options, and loving and compassionate support services for those at the end of their lives. These are the alternatives that uphold the dignity of every person.”

This renewed call follows earlier opposition voiced by Illinois’ dioceses and pro-life groups. As CatholicVote reported in February, the dioceses of Rockford and Springfield, alongside Illinois Right to Life, have mobilized to resist the push to legalize assisted suicide in the state.

At the time, Illinois bishops said that “assisted suicide is not a compassionate solution for those who are suffering. There is a better way forward that truly offers compassionate care and compassionate choices.”

Bishop David J. Malloy of Rockford reiterated the Church’s position in a letter shared with his diocese, CatholicVote reported. Assisted suicide, he wrote, is a “false charity” that “brings with it many alarming consequences that, as followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to reject.”

LifeNews Note: Rachel Quackenbush writes for CatholicVote, where this column originally appeared.

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