Detroit, Mich., Jun 1, 2007 / 08:49 am
In light of Jack Kevorkian’s release from prison today, the Archdiocese of Detroit has pledged to continue its efforts on behalf of patients, families and caregivers “to increase the knowledge and availability of medically and morally sound options for end-of-life decision-making.”
“For 10 years, Jack Kevorkian’s actions resembled those of a pathological serial killer. It will be truly regrettable if he’s now treated as a celebrity parolee instead of the convicted murderer he is,” said Ned McGrath, diocesan director of communications.
Addressing Kevorkian’s mentality, Sr. Monica Kostielney, RSM, president of the Michigan Catholic Conference, said, “Assisted suicide represents an affront to the dignity of the human person, a crime against life, and an attack on humanity - all of which must be repudiated by elected officials and people of good will who seek to protect life from its beginning to its natural end.”
“Any legislative effort to decriminalize assisted suicide in this state will face the same demise as the 1998 ballot issue that was overwhelmingly rejected by a three to one margin,” said Sr. Kostielney in a statement issued to coincide with Kevorkian’s release.
“Those suffering from terminal conditions deserve to be treated with dignity and respect through appropriate palliative care along with love and comfort from family, friends and competent medical personnel,” she insisted.
Kevorkian’s medical license as a pathologist in southeast Michigan was suspended in 1991.In April1999, he was sentenced to prison for second-degree murder. At the time of his conviction, authorities believed he had a part in the deaths of 130 people.
Earlier this week, Kevorkian said he would work toward the legalization of assisted suicide upon his release but would not disobey the law. He will also begin a speaking tour on assisted suicide, earning as much as $50,000-$100,000 per presentation in speaking fees.