The Latimer Case: The Rationale For A Disability Rights Lens

The article “Reflections on the Latimer Case: The Rationale for a Disability Rights Lens” written by Yvonne Peters analyses the murder of Tracy Latimer by her father, Robert Latimer. A summary of the historical context and implications of the rights of disabled people and how they impact the Latimer case is discussed, as well as an analysis of the author’s claims. Additionally, a critique of Peters’ disability rights approach to the Latimer case will be offered. Also, Peter’s arguments will be assessed to determine if any counter arguments can be made opposing her position.

The main purpose of Yvonne Peters’ article is to critique the Latimer case through a disability rights lens, which advocates for people with disabilities to be entitled

Peter’s highlights how even though Tracy was the victim of a crime of murder, her disabilities served to make her the problem. This approach worked to devalue people with disabilities and reassert able-bodied norms; it also represented a step backwards in the promotion and understanding of the rights of persons with

One reason Robert Latimer gave for ended his daughters life was because he refused to subject her to further painful medical treatment or “mutilation”. In Peter’s view, it was Tracy’s able-bodied father who unilaterally decided that her disability was too much of a physical burden. In other words, his beliefs were based on his own reality as an able-bodied person, and not necessarily on the reality of his daughter’s life; his own bias led him to the conclusion that his daughter would rather die than live through another surgery. Peters’ argument is very important, as these biases would have troubling implications for people with disabilities, many of whom have had similar surgeries and consider it a normal part of their life and not as a catastrophe. Constant attention to Tracy’s medical condition and resulting quality of life led Robert Latimer to the conclusion that his daughter would rather die than live through another surgery. Peter’s believes this view to be troubling for people with disabilities, many of whom have had the same surgery and consider it a normal part of their life and not a catastrophe . Additionally, Latimer’s defense states that he murdered his daughter not due to her disability, but because he wanted to end her pain. Given that the