Sue Rodriguez
Sue Rodriguez (pronounced: soo roh-DREE-gez) was a prominent Canadian advocate for assisted suicide, who fought a legal battle for her right to die with dignity.
Early Life
Rodriguez was born on August 2, 1950, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The etymology of her name is Spanish, with 'Rodriguez' meaning 'son of Rodrigo'.
Diagnosis and Advocacy
In 1991, Rodriguez was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. This incurable condition gradually paralyzes the body, while the mind remains fully aware. Following her diagnosis, Rodriguez became a vocal advocate for the right to assisted suicide, arguing that individuals should have control over their own life and death.
Legal Battle
In 1993, Rodriguez took her case to the Supreme Court of Canada, seeking to overturn Canada's ban on assisted suicide. The court ruled 5-4 against her, stating that the prohibition on assisted suicide was necessary to protect vulnerable individuals. Despite the ruling, Rodriguez chose to end her life with the help of an anonymous doctor in 1994.
Legacy
Rodriguez's case sparked a national debate on the issue of assisted suicide in Canada. Her advocacy played a significant role in shaping the country's laws and attitudes towards end-of-life decisions. In 2015, the Supreme Court of Canada reversed its previous decision, ruling that Canadians have a right to doctor-assisted suicide under certain circumstances.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Sue Rodriguez
- Wikipedia's article - Sue Rodriguez
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