Did Jack Kevorkian act in the best interest of his clients or did he have an ulterior motive? Jack Kevorkian otherwise known as “Dr. Death” participation in at least 130 assisted suicide deaths. Euthanasia in ancient Greek means “good death” or “easy death.” This is the practice of ending a terminally ill persons life in a painless or minimally painful way, for the purpose of limiting suffering. Euthanasia can be conducted passively, non-aggressive, and aggressive (Wikipedia, 2007). Passive euthanasia is done by withholding common treatments such as antibiotics, drugs, surgery, or by the distribution of medication such as morphine to relieve the pain, knowing that it may result in death (Wikipedia, 2007). This is a common practice in most hospitals and is the most accepted form of euthanasia (Wikipedia, 2007). The second type is non-aggressive euthanasia this entails the withdrawing of life support and is more controversial then passive euthanasia (Wikipedia, 2007). The third type is aggressive euthanasia and it entails the use of lethal substances or forces to kill, this is the most controversial form (Wikipedia, 2007).
I do not believe Dr. Kevorkian acted unethically and I do not believe he should have been sent to prison for his actions. The form of euthanasia which Dr. Kevorkian practiced was “voluntary euthanasia.” Had Dr. Kevorkian taken these individuals life without their consent then that would be “involuntary euthanasia” otherwise known as murder or manslaughter. There is no difference in assisted suicide versus unassisted suicide. If the individual wants to die then they will do whatever it takes to make that happen, even if it means they will take their own life. Dr. Kevorkian assisted in these peoples death in the most humanely way as possible.
The people who sought out Dr. Kevorkian weren’t your average person who was just having a bad day and felt like the world was out to get them. These were individuals that had life treating incurable...