Dr. Jack Kevorkian died from kidney problems. He was 83.
The younger crowd may not remember him, but in the 1970's his name is in the news a lot. He was nicknamed "Doctor Death". He was a major component of the "assisted suicide" movement. He spend decades campaigning for the legalization of euthanasia.
The picture to the left is the good doctor with his "suicide machine". It could be built from scraps for around $30.
He spent eight years in prison and is "credited" with helping over 130 people commit suicide.
All this sounds like he was a bad man. But not really, he was trying to help. He only assisted people who were at the end of their life and in really bad condition. People with conditions like multiple sclerosis, ALS and malignant brain tumors.
No matter what your opinion of him, his efforts brought to the forefront the issues of terminal illness and the right to die with dignity. Wait - is that a right? Is it even a privilege?
Read mode: http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/dr-death-jack-kevorkian-dies-at-age-83/2010/12/03/AGhktuHH_story.html
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