Wesley J. Smith

Wesley J. Smith is an American author, lawyer, and bioethicist known for his work on issues related to bioethics, euthanasia, assisted suicide, and human exceptionalism. He has been a vocal advocate against the legalization of euthanasia and assisted suicide, arguing that such practices undermine the value of human life.

Early Life and Education

Wesley J. Smith was born in the United States. Details about his early life and education are not widely publicized, but he pursued a career in law and became involved in bioethical issues through his legal practice and writing.

Career

Smith began his career as a lawyer, but he gained prominence as an author and public speaker on bioethical issues. He has written extensively on topics such as euthanasia, assisted suicide, and the ethical implications of biotechnology.

Writing

Wesley J. Smith is the author of several books, including Forced Exit: The Slippery Slope from Assisted Suicide to Legalized Murder and Culture of Death: The Age of "Do Harm" Medicine. His writings often focus on the dangers he perceives in the growing acceptance of euthanasia and assisted suicide, as well as the potential devaluation of human life in modern medicine.

Advocacy

Smith is a senior fellow at the Discovery Institute, a think tank known for its advocacy of intelligent design and criticism of certain bioethical practices. He is also a consultant for the Patients Rights Council, an organization that opposes euthanasia and assisted suicide.

Views and Controversies

Wesley J. Smith is a prominent figure in the debate over euthanasia and assisted suicide. He argues that legalizing these practices could lead to a "slippery slope" where the value of human life is diminished. His views have sparked controversy, particularly among advocates for the right to die, who argue for the autonomy of individuals to make decisions about their own end-of-life care.

Smith is also known for his concept of "human exceptionalism," which posits that human beings have unique value and rights that should be protected. This view often puts him at odds with certain animal rights activists and proponents of radical environmentalism.

Publications

• Forced Exit: The Slippery Slope from Assisted Suicide to Legalized Murder
• Culture of Death: The Age of "Do Harm" Medicine
• A Rat is a Pig is a Dog is a Boy: The Human Cost of the Animal Rights Movement

Also see

• Bioethics
• Euthanasia
• Assisted suicide
• Human exceptionalism
• Discovery Institute