Between the years of 1990 and 1999, Dr. Jack Kevorkian assisted as many as 130 people to end their lives. Dr. Kevorkian was a staunch supporter of physician-assisted death and was willing to push the ethical, moral, and legal boundaries of medicine in order to fulfill his mission. 

Today, in part 1 of our series on Dr. Jack Kevorkian Ashley and Sara will discuss the history of physician-assisted death, ethical considerations and controversy surrounding the Death With Dignity movement in the United States, and Dr. Kevorkian’s early life including the events that led to the development of his “death machine”, the Mercitron.

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Articles:

CNN- Physician-Assisted Suicide Fast Facts, by CNN Editorial Research Staff

Death With Dignity - Medical Aid in Dying As And End-Of-Life Option Offers Death With Dignity, by Chris Haring

TMZ- Zac Bagans: I Bought Dr. Kevorkian’s DEATH MOBILE

The New York Times - Dr. Jack Kevorkian Dies at 83; A Doctor Who Helped End Lives, by Keith Schneider

Books:

Brovins, Joan M., and Thomas H. Oehmke (1993). Dr. Death: Dr. Jack Kevorkian’s Rx: Death. Lifetime Books. 

Podcasts:

Court TV Podcast - Judgement of Dr. Jack Kevorkian

Picture of the Thanatron/Mercitron

Resources:

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a crisis, please reach out immediately to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. Find out more information here.