In 1991, Rodriguez was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease), a degenerative condition which would leave her unable to walk, speak, or swallow. Rodriguez knew that eventually she was going to experience a horrible death, brought on by choking or suffocation. Thus, Rodriguez requested for legal medical assistance to control the moment of her death, rather than suffering from the devastating end that the natural progression of her disease had in store for her. Unfortunately, her appeal was denied by the Supreme Court of Canada, but her case carried forward great debates in legalizing medical assistance in dying.
