Bishop Hicks' Statement on Assisted Suicide Bill

November 5, 2025

Dear Friends,

I write to you with deep sadness and disappointment that the Illinois General Assembly has passed legislation to legalize physician assisted suicide in our state. This bill now sits on Governor Pritzker’s desk, and he has not yet decided whether to sign it into law.

As you know, the Catholic Church firmly upholds the dignity of every human life from conception to natural death. Assisted suicide contradicts our moral teaching and threatens the well-being of the poor, the elderly, and those with disabilities. It sends the tragic message that some lives are no longer worth living.

Thank you for all you have done to educate your people and to stand together in this advocacy for life. Thank you for joining me and encouraging your parishioners to stand against the passing of this bill. Your witness, compassion, and pastoral care make a profound difference, especially for those who are sick, suffering, or feeling forgotten.

Although the Assisted Suicide Bill has passed the legislature, the Governor remains undecided.

We still have an opportunity to make our voices heard. Please encourage your parishioners to respectfully contact the Governor and express their opposition to assisted suicide by using this link gov.illinois.gov/contact-us/contact-the-governor.html

Finally, I ask you to join me, and invite your parishioners to join as well, in praying fervently for a better outcome and for the protection of all human life.

May God bless you and guide the upcoming decision.

As I remain –

Sincerely Yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Ronald A. Hicks
Bishop of Joliet