Rodriguez v British Columbia (AG)

Supreme court of Canada in summer

Rodriguez v British Columbia (AG)

Rodriguez v British Columbia (AG) was a landmark legal case heard by the Supreme Court of Canada in 1993. The case centered around the issue of euthanasia and the right to die with dignity. The plaintiff, Sue Rodriguez, was a terminally ill woman who sought the right to end her own life with the assistance of a physician.

Background

Sue Rodriguez was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive and incurable neurological disease. As her condition worsened, Rodriguez experienced severe pain and loss of mobility. She argued that the criminal prohibition on assisted suicide violated her rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Legal Proceedings

Rodriguez first brought her case before the British Columbia Supreme Court, where her request for physician-assisted suicide was denied. The case was then appealed to the Supreme Court of Canada, which heard arguments from both sides.

Supreme Court Decision

In a closely divided decision, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled against Rodriguez in a 5-4 decision. The majority held that the prohibition on assisted suicide was justified in order to protect vulnerable individuals and uphold the sanctity of life. The dissenting justices argued that the ban infringed on Rodriguez's rights to life, liberty, and security of the person.

Impact

The Rodriguez case sparked national debate on the issue of euthanasia and assisted suicide in Canada. It ultimately led to changes in legislation, with the introduction of the Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) law in 2016. This law allows eligible individuals to request medical assistance to end their lives under certain conditions.

See also

• Euthanasia in Canada
• Medical Assistance in Dying (Canada)