Essays on Jack Kevorkian

It is a matter of opinion. Some people may see Jack Kevorkian as a hero because he helped people who were suffering from terminal illnesses to end their lives. Others may see him as a murderer because he assisted in taking people's lives. Ultimately, whether or not someone sees Jack Kevorkian as a hero is a personal opinion.

Jack Kevorkian was an American pathologist and euthanasia proponent. He is best known for publicly advocating and assisting in the suicide of patients with terminal illnesses.In the late 1980s, Kevorkian designed and built a machine that he called the Thanatron, which he used to assist in the suicides of three terminally ill patients. The Thanatron consisted of a device that delivered a lethal injection of potassium chloride, as well as a timing mechanism and a system to allow the patient to self-administer the injection.In 1990, Kevorkian began using a second machine, which he called the Mercitron, to assist in suicides. The Mercitron consisted of a device that delivered carbon monoxide gas, as well as a face mask and a system to allow the patient to self-administer the gas.Between 1990 and 1998, Kevorkian assisted in the suicides of 130 terminally ill patients. In 1999, he was convicted of second-degree murder and served eight years in prison.Kevorkian's actions sparked a national debate over the right to die, and he became a polarizing figure in the debate. Supporters of Kevorkian argued that he was providing a service to those who were suffering from terminal illnesses and wanted to end their lives. Critics argued that Kevorkian was taking advantage of vulnerable people and that his actions were tantamount to murder.

Dr. Kevorkian is estimated to have assisted in the deaths of 130 people.