Jack Kevorkian
Jack Kevorkian
Jacob "Jack" Kevorkian was an American pathologist, euthanasia activist, painter, author, composer, and instrumentalist. He is best known for publicly championing a terminal patient's right to die via physician-assisted suicide; he claimed to have assisted at least 130 patients to that end. He was often portrayed in the media with the biased name of "Dr. Death"; however, many consider him a hero, as he helped set the platform for reform. He famously said, "Dying is not a crime"...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionDoctor
Date of Birth26 May 1928
CityPontiac, MI
CountryUnited States of America
I'm afraid of sudden death. I'd like to know I'm going to die. That's why death row wouldn't be so bad, although it's not pleasant. And cancer, inoperable, wouldn't be bad. That's not pleasant either. But to drop dead suddenly, it's hard on everybody else. My family, my relatives, my friends. It's just not a good way to go. I want to know I'm going to die.
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.
None of them want to delay. Understand that. None of them.
Not one has shown an iota of fear of death. They want to end this agony.
I have a natural right to do whatever I want with my body as long as it doesn't affect anybody else or any other property.
I would not want to live with a tube in my neck and not be able to move a finger. I wouldn't - that to me is not life.
I always said all my life if I wasn't born and they gave me the question I'd say I don't want to be born.
You can cite me for contempt, Your Honor. I don't care.
Look at the forces against me. They don't want me out. They're afraid I'll cause trouble if I get out.
I have a natural right to do whatever I want with my body... as long as it doesn't affect anybody else or any other property.
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.
This could never be a crime in any society which deems himself enlightened.
Dying is not a crime.
When history looks back, it will prove what I'll die knowing.