Physician Assisted Suicide Case Study

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I feel that this quote from Dr. Kevorkian appropriately summarizes the core argument when it comes to the choice an individual has as to when and how to end their own life. It is a sad truth that terminally ill patients and their families face incredible physical and mental challenges related to end of life. While some opt to allow nature to take its’ course, others seek a faster and far less painful method. Euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide can help those who wish to minimize their suffering and is a choice I believe individuals should have.
Dr. Jack Kevorkian was a physician and pathologist who resided in the state of Michigan. An avid and outspoken supporter of euthanasia or assisted suicide, Kevorkian earned the moniker, “Doctor …show more content…
The widow of Mr. Youk, stated, her husband ''would be greatly distressed that the man who brought him peace at the end would now suffer on his account (Johnson, 1999).'' Youk’s brother accused the prosecution of hypocrisy, stating, 'Why doesn't the prosecutor charge me with conspiracy to commit murder?'', saying that he had composed his brother's letter to Dr. Kevorkian and arranged their initial meeting (Johnson, 1999).” The justice system on the other hand, was very pleased with the verdict, indicating that, “Kevorkian’s flouting of the law had given prosecutors and the courts no choice but to remove him from society (Johnson, 1999).” The prosecutors showed relief at finally being able to convict Kevorkian after four previous failed attempts, focusing on the fact that Kevorkian had violated the law. Judge Cooper told Dr. Kevorkian that whatever his views on euthanasia, he must follow the rules of a democratic society (Johnson, 1999). ''We are a nation of laws,'' she said. ''We have a civilized and nonviolent way of resolving conflict. You can criticize the law. You can gripe. You can lecture. You can petition the voters. But you may not take the law into your own hands (Johnson, 1999).'' Judge Cooper further reproached Kevorkian for his blatant dismissal of the law stating, ''This trial was not about the political or moral correctness of euthanasia,'' the judge said. ''It was about you, sir. It …show more content…
Due to advancements in medical care, people are living longer. Many individuals face years of treatments and debilitating pain for problems that used to be the equivalent of a death sentence in the early portion of this century. If the pain becomes too great, individuals who are suffering do have the option of terminating their own lives through various means such as medication overdose, shooting, asphyxiation, or physician-assisted suicide. Of these methods, euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide is the most controversial because in the majority of jurisdictions, it is illegal to end the life of another human being, regardless of the circumstance (Standler,
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