The issue of legalizing euthanasia has been a debatable topic for many years. The basic definition is seen as “mercy killing” or “assisted suicide”, where an ill person is put out of their misery by being “murdered” knowingly by another person. A woman by the name of Sue Rodriguez will always be remembered as an advocate for the fight to legalize euthanasia. She suffered from an incurable disease that, over time, would lead to a long drawn out and incredibly painful death. Taking matters into her own hands, she fought single-handedly to try to legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia in Canada. Despite her battles, it was never - and still has yet to be - legalized. However, in February 1994, Rodriguez committed suicide with the assistance of an anonymous physician and with the MP of Vancouver, Svend Robinson, by her side.



Under the Criminal Code of Canada, both euthanasia and assisted suicide are still illegal. They are seen as murder provisions of the code that take the life of an innocent individual. Euthanasia, which in simpler terms is another person taking your life, is seen plainly as murder. While assisted suicide, which allows you to take your own life with some help from another individual is distinguished from murder but is still punishable for up to 14 years. Despite the strictness of this issue, actual convictions of people involved in the “crime” are extremely rare.



In other parts of the world, the use of euthanasia and assisted suicide are becoming more legalized. In the United States, for example, it is permitted in Oregon, and not strictly mentioned in the states of North Carolina, Utah, or Wyoming. When the prerequisites are met, Australia also permits euthanasia under strict conditions. The same is relevant to Japan, although Holland and South Africa still view it as illegal. As the amount of euthanasia cases increase, countries across the globe are taking new looks at legalizing it.



With the rising amounts of support given from the media, the people, and the government, it seems realistic that euthanasia may soon be made legal. However, strict guidelines should be put in place to avoid arguments of “homicide versus assisted suicide” from arising. For example, prerequisites should be made so that the “treatment” of euthanasia is only used in certain situations. The state of mind of the patient, as well as the degree of their illness may fall into these prerequisite categories. There is also the aspect of performing it properly - meaning a doctor should perform the act, not a family member nor a friend. Taking these circumstances into consideration, it seems fair and highly possible that euthanasia will soon be legalized across all or parts of Canada.