On Tuesday, the district court of the Central District of California ruled that the state law legalizing physician-assisted suicide unlawfully compelled Christian doctors to participate in the assisted suicide process.
As written, the law, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in October 2021, forces Christian doctors to “document the date of the individual’s request [for euthanasia] and the provider’s notice of their objection, and transfer their relevant medical record upon request.” The court determined that filling out the required documentation constituted “a violation of a constitutional right” which forces “non-participating providers” to participate in the process despite their religious objections.
Kevin Theriot, senior counsel for ADF who argued on behalf of the Christian Medical & Dental Associations and a Christian doctor who objected to the law said, “Our clients seek to live out their faith in their medical practice, and that includes valuing every human life entrusted to their care. Participating in physician-assisted suicide very clearly would violate their consciences.”
California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in an email that his office is “reviewing the decision.”
The decision comes amid a series of California court decisions that have favored religious liberties and broadened the practical implications of the First Amendment.