Catholic nuns sue New York, say assisted suicide law forces them to violate their faith

"New York has put the Sisters to a stark choice: either abandon their religious beliefs regarding the sanctity of life or face significant fines and penalties," the lawsuit reads. "Through its euphemistically-named Medical Aid in Dying Act, which builds upon requirements in the Palliative Care Information Act, New York has conscripted even religious healthcare providers and institutions to participate in the provision of physician-assisted suicide."

According to the complaint, the law could compel religious organizations to facilitate physician-assisted suicide by giving patients information about the practice, permitting staff to discuss it with terminally ill patients, and helping patients complete steps required to qualify for life-ending medication.

The plaintiffs also argue the law would require referrals to willing providers and prevent the organizations from disciplining employees who provide such counseling or assistance in conflict with the institutions' religious beliefs.

Rosary Hill Home, run by the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne, one of the plaintiffs, has cared for roughly 45,000 low-income cancer patients in New York, providing free end-of-life care regardless of their faith or cultural background.

Mother Marie Edward, O.P., Superior General of the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne, said, "For over 125 years, we have ministered to the poor who are dying of cancer as if they were Christ Himself. Our calling is to offer comfort, prayer, and loving medical care to those in their final days-not death."

Edward added, "We pray the court will protect our freedom to remain faithful to that ministry God has entrusted to us."

Mother Mary Rose Heery, O. Carm., prioress general of the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm, said in a statement, "At our homes, we bring Christ's unbounded love to elderly New Yorkers of every background and walk of life."

Heery added, "We strive to bring His compassion to those entrusted to our care, ensuring that no resident ever has to die alone. This law strikes at the heart of that vocation."

Mark Rienzi, president of Becket, who is representing the Carmelite Sisters, the Dominican Sisters, the Benedictine Sisters, and the Little Sisters of the Poor, as well as Bishop John O. Barres and the Diocese of Rockville Centre, said in a statement that, "New York is forcing sick and dying people to consider suicide at their lowest moment, regardless of whether they ask for it or not."

Martin Nussbaum, general counsel for Catholic Benefits Association, who is representing the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne in the transgender bill of rights lawsuit, told Fox News Digital that the Catholic Benefits Association "is entirely supportive of the Becket lawsuit seeking religious exemption from New York's assisted suicide law."

"Just as in the Catholic Benefits Association case for the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne, the State of New York is trampling on the religious liberty and speech rights of Catholic nuns providing selfless service to men and women on their final journey," Nussbaum added.

Fox News Digital reached out to Hochul, New York Attorney General Letitia James, the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm, the Little Sisters of the Poor, and the Diocese of Rockville Centre and Catholic Health for comment.