Illinois Catholic leaders fight abortion referral law in landmark appeal
Catholic leaders in Illinois are backing a lawsuit against a state law that requires pro-life pregnancy centres and doctors to refer patients for abortions. The legal challenge claims the Illinois Health Care Right of Conscience Act violates First Amendment rights by forcing faith-based groups to promote a procedure they oppose.
The case is now heading to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit, with oral arguments scheduled for early 2026.
The dispute centres on a 2023 federal ruling that struck down part of the Illinois law requiring pro-life physicians and centres to discuss the 'benefits of abortion' after an ultrasound. However, the court left intact a separate provision mandating referrals for abortion services. Catholic bishops and pro-life advocates argue this remaining rule still forces them to act against their beliefs.
Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, stated that the Church in Illinois is defending the principle that every life deserves protection. He criticised the state’s attempt to undermine this conviction. Bishop Ronald A. Hicks of Joliet expressed confidence that the court would uphold the right of Catholics to live and work according to their faith. Bishop Thomas J. Paprocki of Springfield reinforced this stance, warning that the mandate threatens religious freedom by allowing government interference in matters of conscience. Eric Rassbach, senior counsel at Becket, a religious liberty law firm, described the law as Orwellian. He argued that Illinois cannot compel pro-life doctors and ministries to promote what they consider morally abhorrent. No details have been released about the legal teams representing either side in the upcoming appeal.
The lawsuit will proceed to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, where judges will decide whether the referral requirement violates constitutional protections. A ruling could set a precedent for how far states can go in mandating speech or actions that conflict with religious objections.
The Catholic Church in Illinois remains firm in its opposition to direct abortion, teaching that human life is sacred from conception to natural death.
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