Following an overview of the law of self-defense involving deadly force, consideration is given to why the traditional rules of self-defense and the use of standard jury instructions might result in prejudicial treatment of female defendants. The magnitude of rape and subsequent trauma suffered by rape victims are assessed, particularly applicable Michigan law and relevant law of other jurisdictions. Problems inherent in the use of force by women in self-defense situations are examined. Because rape is viewed as a unique crime in that victimization does not stop with the termination of the act, the author contends that women should be justified in using deadly force to resist rapists. Since the traumatic psychological effects and attendant physical repercussions endure long after the completion of the act, rape is equal in magnitude to grievous bodily injury. Michigan should recognize the right to use deadly force to repel sexual assault because the physical integrity, emotional health, and psychological well-being of innocent victims should be protected, even at the expense of the life of the unlawful aggressor who threatens rape. 105 footnotes