Jack Kevorkian, born on May 26, 1928, was an American pathologist and advocate for physician-assisted suicide. His controversial views and actions sparked intense debate and raised profound ethical questions surrounding end-of-life choices and individual autonomy.
Kevorkian’s career as a pathologist began in the 1950s, but it was his later endeavors that gained widespread attention. In the 1990s, he developed a device known as the “Mercy Machine,” later referred to as the “suicide machine.” This contraption allowed terminally ill patients to self-administer a lethal dose of medication, thus ending their lives.
Kevorkian’s actions and public statements firmly placed him at the center of the right-to-die movement. He believed in the importance of individual autonomy and the right for individuals to make choices about their own lives, even in the face of terminal illness and unbearable suffering. Kevorkian argued that terminally ill patients should have the option to end their lives with dignity and without unnecessary pain.
Kevorkian’s activities ignited a firestorm of controversy. Many argued that his actions violated medical ethics and undermined the sanctity of life. He faced numerous legal battles, as assisted suicide was illegal in many jurisdictions at the time. Ultimately, Kevorkian was convicted in 1999 of second-degree murder in the case of one of his patients.
Despite the controversy surrounding him, Kevorkian’s actions brought the issue of physician-assisted suicide into the public consciousness. His advocacy sparked debates on topics such as individual autonomy, medical ethics, and end-of-life care. Kevorkian’s controversial legacy has influenced the ongoing discussion surrounding the right to die, with some jurisdictions later enacting laws allowing for physician-assisted suicide under certain circumstances.
The broader impact of Kevorkian’s work lies in his contribution to public discourse and the call for a compassionate approach to end-of-life decisions. His actions, while divisive, have helped shape the conversation around the delicate balance between individual autonomy and the role of medical professionals in the face of terminal illness.
Jack Kevorkian’s role in the right-to-die debate cannot be ignored. While his methods and approaches remain highly controversial, his actions forced society to confront complex questions about the rights and dignity of terminally ill individuals. Regardless of one’s stance on the issue, Kevorkian’s influence on the conversation surrounding end-of-life choices serves as a reminder of the importance of compassionate and thoughtful discussions surrounding this sensitive and deeply personal topic.
All the big powers they’ve silenced me. So much for free speech and choice on this fundamental human right.
Jack Kevorkian
A transfer of money should never be involved in this profound situation. Although illness is profound, too, but medicine’s a business today. It’s a business.
Jack Kevorkian
As a medical doctor, it is my duty to evaluate the situation with as much data as I can gather and as much expertise as I have and as much experience as I have to determine whether or not the wish of the patient is medically justified.
Jack Kevorkian
The patient’s autonomy always, always should be respected, even if it is absolutely contrary – the decision is contrary to best medical advice and what the physician wants.
Jack Kevorkian
I’d find it demeaning to be cleaning toilets.
Jack Kevorkian
I’m for absolute autonomy of the individual, and an adult, competent woman has absolute autonomy. It’s her choice.
Jack Kevorkian
It’s the boredom that kills you. You read until you’re tired of that. You do crossword puzzles until you’re tired of that. This is torture. This is mental torture.
Jack Kevorkian
Let’s hope you feel better now.
Jack Kevorkian
Listen, when you take my liberty away, you’ve taken away more-something more precious than life. I mean, what good is a life without liberty? Huh? None.
Jack Kevorkian
First of all, do any of you here think it’s a crime to help a suffering human end his agony? Any of you think it is? Say so right now. Well, then, what are we doing here?
Jack Kevorkian
Look at the forces against me. They don’t want me out. They’re afraid I’ll cause trouble if I get out.
Jack Kevorkian
I gambled and I lost. I failed in securing my options for this choice for myself, but I succeeded in verifying the Dark Age is still with us.
Jack Kevorkian
The Supreme Court of the United States… has validated the Nazi method of execution in… concentration camps, starving them to death.
Jack Kevorkian
There is nothing anyone can do anyway. The public has no power. The government knows I’m not a criminal. The parole board knows I’m not a criminal. The judge knows I’m not a criminal.
Jack Kevorkian
What looks like enjoyment is the sneer of contempt. That’s not a smile.
Jack Kevorkian
There’s no doubt I expect to die in prison.
Jack Kevorkian
This is not a trial. This is a lynching. There is no law.
Jack Kevorkian
My intent was to carry out my duty as a doctor, to end their suffering. Unfortunately, that entailed, in their cases, ending of the life.
Jack Kevorkian
When history looks back, it will prove what I’ll die knowing.
Jack Kevorkian
When your conscience says law is immoral, don’t follow it.
Jack Kevorkian
The American people are sheep. They’re comfortable, rich, working. It’s like the Romans, they’re happy with bread and their spectator sports. The Super Bowl means more to them than any right.
Jack Kevorkian
She made the decision that her existence had lost its meaning. And you cannot judge that.
Jack Kevorkian
Rotten travesty. Yeah. Send me to jail for contempt. Try that. Go ahead.
Jack Kevorkian
Not one has shown an iota of fear of death. They want to end this agony.
Jack Kevorkian
None of them want to delay. Understand that. None of them.
Jack Kevorkian
My religion centers in different areas than what’s considered conventional religion.
Jack Kevorkian
I will go to what they call a court. Only they call it a court.
Jack Kevorkian
Maybe I won’t stay out of prison. Who knows?
Jack Kevorkian
I will admit, like Socrates and Aristotle and Plato and some other philosophers, that there are instances where the death penalty would seem appropriate.
Jack Kevorkian
What are friends? Some people are nice. Some people aren’t. There are some I’m fairly close with… we talk.
Jack Kevorkian
Five to six thousand people die every year waiting for organs, but nobody cares.
Jack Kevorkian
I didn’t do this for other people; I did this for me. I fought for this right for me – does that sound selfish?
Jack Kevorkian
I don’t enjoy good food. I don’t enjoy flashy cars. I don’t care if I live in a dump. I don’t enjoy good clothes. This is the best I’ve dressed in months.
Jack Kevorkian
I don’t persuade to suicide.
Jack Kevorkian
The patient decides when it’s best to go.
Jack Kevorkian
You can cite me for contempt, Your Honor. I don’t care.
Jack Kevorkian