WASHINGTON – With agreement from the state of New York, a federal judge ordered the state not to enforce its assisted-suicide mandate against four orders of Catholic nuns and several Catholic healthcare ministries while their federal lawsuit proceeds. The temporary agreement protects the ministries from being forced to help terminally ill patients end their lives via suicide in direct violation of their faith.  

In Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm v. James, Becket asked a federal court to protect the ministries before New York’s Medical Aid in Dying Act takes effect on August 5. New York just agreed that itwould not apply the law to them while the court considers their request for a preliminary injunction. A hearing on Becket’s motion for a preliminary injunction, previously scheduled for Monday, August 3, will now likely be rescheduled to a later date. 

For generations, the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm, the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne, the Missionary Sisters of St. Benedict, the Little Sisters of the Poor, and the Diocese of Rockville Centre have cared for the sick, elderly, and dying across New York. Guided by the belief that every life is a precious gift, they offer expert medical care, prayer, and loving accompaniment until the very end. New York’s law would force them to violate their beliefs by counseling patients about assisted suicide, helping them qualify for lethal drugs, and directing them to providers willing to prescribe those drugs. Those who refused could face significant fines and even time behind bars. 

Statements for media use:  

Mother Mary Rose Heery, O. Carm., Prioress General of the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm: 

“Families entrust their loved ones to us because they know our homes will be places of tenderness, dignity, and faithful care. We are grateful that we can continue honoring that trust and remain beside every resident until the very end.” 

Mother Marie Edward, O.P., Superior General of the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne:  

“We at Rosary Hill, continue our foundress’ intention to bring the healing spirit of Christ and His Church to those who are most in need while asking nothing in return. NY state’s decision not to enforce this law against us means that we can continue our loving service to Christ’s poor.” 

Sister Justyna Owsiejko, O.S.B., of the Missionary Sisters of St. Benedict: 

“Our home exists so that elderly people can spend their final days surrounded by peace, prayer, and the Sisters who love them. For now, they can rest assured that assisted suicide will not be forced into the sanctuary they call home.” 

Mother Alice Marie Monica of the Little Sisters of the Poor: 

“There is a tendency in our society to treat the elderly as if they are a burden. This temporary protection allows us to keep showing them that they are wanted, loved, and precious in God’s eyes.”  

Bishop John O. Barres, Bishop of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, New York: 

“This agreement is an important first step towards protecting religious freedom. New York cannot force the Church to answer suffering with suicide or abandon the sick and dying when they need caremost. Until our legal fight is resolved, this temporary agreement keeps our ministries free to serve every patient according to the Gospel. We continue to proclaim that every human life is sacred and worthy of love until its natural end.” 

Mark Rienzi, president of Becket and lead attorney for the healthcare ministries: 

“Forcing Catholic nuns to participate in suicide—and robbing New Yorkers of the choice to receive faithful, life-affirming care—is both unlawful and unjust. This agreement protects the sisters and those they care for while we fight to end New York’s suicide mandate for good.”