Kevorkian's New Mission: Education

Dr. Jack Kevorkian Says He Will No Longer Perform Assisted Suicides, But Will Fight To Have Them Legalized

(AP)  Jack Kevorkian said Tuesday he has a new mission to educate and inform the masses about their rights as citizens following his release from prison.

"My new mission is not assisted suicide," Kevorkian, 79, said during his first news conference since he left prison Friday. "My work is effectively done there. ... I'll do what I can to have it legalized."

The retired pathologist claims to have helped at least 130 people die from 1990 until 1998, the year he was charged with murder in the death of a 52-year-old Oakland County man with Lou Gehrig's disease.

He was convicted and given a 10- to 25-year sentence for second-degree murder. He spent eight years behind bars, earning time off his sentence for good behavior.

Kevorkian has promised not to help in any other assisted suicides, and could go back to prison if he did.

But he still has strong opinions about the issues, insisting on the need for laws letting mentally competent people to end their lives with the assistance of a doctor.

No other state besides Oregon has passed a law letting doctors help the terminally ill end their lives. Although Oregon's law requires the patient be the one to administer the fatal drugs, Kevorkian said Tuesday that doctors should be allowed give the drugs if the patient is too disabled to do it personally.

"Some can't swallow (the pills). Some can't move their arms," he said. "What kind of a medical procedure is it where the doctor flees?"

He said the best thing about being out of prison is "just being able to go around freely."

About half a dozen anti-assisted suicide protesters from the group Not Dead Yet held up signs from their wheelchairs outside the office building where Kevorkian held his news conference.

"For me, the biggest problem is the stigma he attaches to disability," said Susan Fitzmaurice, 53, who has broken bones in falls and now finds it nearly impossible to stand or walk. "He makes our lives feel like they're worthless. Instead of offering us death, he should be offering us counseling."

[sunseeker6]

I watched my Dad die, over a course of 10 yrs, from Alzheimer's (at the age of 64). I know my Dad would've rather been eunthanized. I would. We can put down our dogs and cats but not a human who is suffering from an irreversible fatal condition. Makes no sense. Anyone who is against it has never watched a loved one suffer a long and terrible death. I believe in God and Jesus, Heaven and Hell. I also believe in quality of life over quantity. The United States should allow the right to die.

[dragonmouse-2009]

I think he did a GOOD thing. It was even proven. He didn't encourage anyone to die...not in the least. In fact he pushed for them waiting it out. To take some extra time after they made the decision. What right do we have to FORCE someone to live in severe pain or disability. Not all disabilities call for termination. Many disabled can live full and happy lives...but lets face it...some can't and don't want to anymore after a point.

Ending one's life due to a illness or pain is a very PERSONAL decision. Some people handle these issues better. Some people have a better support system. Some people just overall have whatever magic it is to continue. No ONE individual should have the right to make a decision for anyone else. Yes I know there can sometimes be miracles but they tend to be few and far between.

[shanev137]

Jack should run for president. Maybe he could convince a few politicians to kill themselves.

[mikealford3]

Question. If you know Dr. K is willing to assist suicide thus death and you wish to remain alive and hear a word of hope for life, WHY DO YOU VISIT DR. K FOR ADVICE?

[shanev137]

You're right incog....this Susan woman is a total whack job and is trying to transfer her own psychosis onto Jack.

Kevorkian was never a casket salesman. He merely provided a service to people "who had already made the choice" to end their terminal suffering.

This whole issue is a complete no-brainer.

[incog-nito]

"For me, the biggest problem is the stigma he attaches to disability," said Susan Fitzmaurice, 53, who has broken bones in falls and now finds it nearly impossible to stand or walk. "He makes our lives feel like they're worthless. Instead of offering us death, he should be offering us counseling."

This statement is patently false. How is giving the patient the right and freewill to choose to die with peace and dignity a stigma?

[shanev137]

Jack Kevorkian is a true hero.