Jack Kevorkian the assisted suicide advocate dubbed "Dr. Death" leaves prison

[tjw61]

Jack Kevorkian the assisted suicide advocate dubbed "Dr. Death" leaves prison

Kevorkian, 79, had served eight years a Michigan prison for a second-degree murder conviction. He had given lethal drugs to a 52-year-old man suffering from Lou Gehrig's disease, the debilitating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and videotaped it.

Kevorkian became famous, or some would say infamous, in the 1990s by helping in dozens of assisted suicides and advocating the legalization of such procedures in the United States.

Supporters lined a road to the prison, holding signs, some which said, "Jack, Glad You're Back" and "Jack, We're Glad You're Out of the Box."

Kevorkian has said he will continue to the campaign to allow the terminally ill to end their lives with medical aid.

We choose to give people drugs to allow them to live longer, why make someone in pain or terminal live their lives for as long as possible? Shouldn't it be quality of life over quantity?

There are assisted suicide laws around the world. Some clear, some unclear, if they exist at all.

The only four places that today openly and legally, authorize active assistance in dying of patients, are:

1) Oregon (since l997, physician-assisted suicide only)
2) Switzerland (1941, physician and non-physician assisted suicide only)
3) Belgium (2002, permits 'euthanasia' but does not define the method)
4) Netherlands (voluntary euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide lawful since April 2002 but permitted by the courts since l984).

For more on assisted suicides go here: http://www.assistedsuicide.org/

[Bruce Vain]

If a person is in great pain and they know they are terminal, then they should have the right to die. Many people have "Living Wills" made so that if they are in a vegetative state or have some terminal illness and have no chance of recovery then the relatives are generally given power of attorney to have that person taken off life support. All people should get a living will made with this stipulation.

[Xray]

I agree. He should never've gone to jail. Why keep someone alive if they are suffering? We put down dogs and cats, why not people if they are terminal and in pain?

[Donnhw]

Originally Posted by Xray

I agree. He should never've gone to jail. Why keep someone alive if they are suffering? We put down dogs and cats, why not people if they are terminal and in pain?

I feel exactly the same way. We have (in the states anyway) a Humane Society that advocates putting down terminally ill and injured animals. Ironic (sad, frankly) that we treat those animals with more humanity than we do suffering humans.

[computer2slow]

When your dying they worry about you becoming addicted to pain killers. I would hope that would be ridiculous to everyone.

I could see the suicide being different because of the stupid suicide = go to hell. At least in most religions I think. Which in it's self is dumb. If you kill your self there is a good chance you are mentally unstable. Guess god doesn't want you if your not sane.

[Bruce Vain]

You have all made excellent points on this.

[tjw61]

I'm with all of you, that's why I put:
We choose to give people drugs to allow them to live longer, why make someone in pain or terminal live their lives for as long as possible? Shouldn't it be quality of life over quantity?
in it.....to think someone feels that making someone live in pain or be debilitated is worth making them live longer....its just crazy!!!!

[ken]

If Religion is a hang up, then dress up nicely make sure you have a huge wad of money and go hang out in East St. Louis. One of the gang members will do the rest.

[Donnhw]

Originally Posted by ken

If Religion is a hang up, then dress up nicely make sure you have a huge wad of money and go hang out in East St. Louis. One of the gang members will do the rest.

Yea, there are options - Ya gotta think outside the box (to get inside the box)

[Head_Monkey]

I still wanna know what right the Government / courts have to deny you your right to end your own life! I mean it's your life, and you should be able to do with it whatever you like. They are not responsible for your life. Nor do they have any input as to how you live your life.

I had someone in my life try to kill themself, and when I called an ambulance to "help" them, they said they would call the police if needed to "force" the person to not harm themself. So you can't even take yer own life anymore!

I am definitely for people ending their own life, assisted or not assisted. I believe taking a life is a very big deal, and is something you will live with for the rest of your life, but if the person ahs made up their mind, and there are willing participants, then what's the problem?

At least it will be done humanely, and with dignity, and on YOUR terms...