Euthanasia: An Issue of Quality of Life

It's 1993, Sue Rodriguez is 42 years old; she is diagnosed with fatal amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also called Lou Gehrig's Disease. Her prognosis: steady deterioration of motor function, including speech, mobility, and ability to swallow or breathe, and eventually death in approximately one year. In her final months, she will be completely dependent upon family, medical staff, and machines to maintain her, although she will be conscious of her situation and aware of her chronic condition. …