One of a series adapted from the Canadian Public Issues Project, this book is designed to stimulate discussion and reflection about controversial issues through case studies. The book is based on high school units originally drawn from cases in newspapers, journals, books, legal documents, and government reports. Conflicts from issues arising over counterclaims to the control of birth, life, and death are raised. Case studies presented on mercy killing, religious views and medicine, abortion, compulsory sterilization, and capital punishment are followed by questions and analogy situations designed to stimulate reflection and discussion about the broader issues they raise. Additional factual information is included to bring other perspectives to bear on the cases and the problems they represent. Specific research activities are suggested in relation to the points of inquiry raised after the description of each factual situation. Each book of the series concludes with a selected bibliography of reference and resource materials in print and on film and tape. Other titles in the series are Don't Teach That; Foreign Ownership; The Law and the Police; Native Survival; Crisis in Quebec; and On Strike. (Author/KSM)