Catholic Cardinal Tells Court to Protect Doctors From Having to Assist Abortions

Becket filed a friend-of-the-court brief today urging a federal appeals court to stop Illinois from forcing pro-life healthcare professionals to promote and make referrals for abortion. In National Institute of Family and Life Advocates v. Treto, a group of pro-life pregnancy centers and doctors is challenging an Illinois law that requires any healthcare professional who declines to perform abortions for reasons of conscience to tell women about the “benefits” of abortion and refer women to abortion providers.

Becket’s brief on behalf of the Catholic bishops of Illinois, the Illinois Catholic Health Association, the Orthodox Church in America, and the Serbian Orthodox Diocese of New Gračanica-Midwestern America explains that Illinois’ mandate strikes at the heart of America’s long tradition of giving religious speech special protection.

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