Euthanasia4

Euthanasia continues to be an extremely controversial issue in society, and there are many opposing viewpoints concerning this specific subject. The case of Sue Rodriguez versus the province of British Columbia, is one that demonstrates the high degree of debate over such a sensitive topic, as euthanasia. The following is an analytical examination of the case at hand, and a critical comparison of it, to the theories of Patrick Nowell-Smith. When relating the theories of …

…theories of Patrick Nowell –Smith it is apparent that Nowell-Smith argues for the legalization of euthanasia, thus Sue Rodriguez would agree with his views. It is also obvious that Nowell-Smith would disagree with the decisions of Judge Sopinka. Although Judge Sopinka showed empathy for Sue’s condition he strictly emphasized abiding the laws of euthanasia. In contrast, Nowell-Smith stressed the need for a vast change in both the laws and the moral understanding of euthanasia.