Summary
Pope Leo XIV expressed disappointment over a new Illinois law allowing medically assisted suicide. He had previously urged Governor JB Pritzker not to sign the bill, which the governor did, citing compassion and personal autonomy for terminally ill patients. The law, known as "Deb’s Law," is set to take effect next year, placing Illinois among several states permitting medically assisted suicide.
Key Facts
- Pope Leo XIV criticized an Illinois law about medically assisted suicide, emphasizing the importance of respecting human life.
- The law, called "Deb’s Law," is named after Deb Robertson, who supported the bill as a terminally ill patient.
- Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed the law on December 12, influenced by testimonies regarding end-of-life suffering.
- Pope Leo and Cardinal Blase Cupich asked Governor Pritzker not to approve the legislation.
- Medically assisted suicide is currently legal in 11 other U.S. states and the District of Columbia.
- Illinois' six Catholic dioceses and Pope Leo criticized the law, stating it contradicts Catholic teachings on the sanctity of life.
- The law will begin next year, with state health officials setting up regulations and oversight.
- Supporters of the law argue it provides autonomy for terminally ill patients, while opponents continue to seek its repeal.
