Successes & Failures
Throughout the human history on Earth, euthanasia was part of it almost since the beginning, and it has been "profound ethical issues confronting doctors since the birth of Western medicine, more than 2,000 years ago," according Ezekiel Emanuel. However, the most active protests and supports of this action only arose in the later time of history, from the 18th century to now...
Jack Kevorkian
1999-2011 Dr. Kevorkian, arose in fame in 1999, a doctor that fully supported in assisted-suicide and administered them himself as well. He was sent to jail for 8 years in assisting the death of about 130 patients in pain, counted as 2nd degree murder. Yet when he was released, he did not stop his actions, and these brave decisions led to one of the greatest motions in support of doctor-assisted suicide. |
June 1st, 1794
In Prussia, laws were passed to reduce punishment to physicians who assisted an incurable patient with suicide.
In Prussia, laws were passed to reduce punishment to physicians who assisted an incurable patient with suicide.
1828
America's first statute to outlaw assisted suicide was established.
America's first statute to outlaw assisted suicide was established.
1895: "The Right to Death"
German lawyer Adolf Jost wrote in his book arguing that all men have rights to die when faced with hopeless illness, and that life can decrease down to a value of ZERO.
German lawyer Adolf Jost wrote in his book arguing that all men have rights to die when faced with hopeless illness, and that life can decrease down to a value of ZERO.
1906-1907
Proposals to legalize euthanasia was rejected in Ohio and Iowa Today
United States: forbids and punishes acts of euthanasia (with exception of Oregon). Sweden: has no law against assisted suicide. Norway: assisted suicide is charged as "accessory to murder." Italy: euthanasia is forbidden, but many pro-euthanasia activists exist. Luxembourg: does not forbid euthanasia (suicide is not crime). England/Wales: euthanasia is illegal and punishments include up to 14 years of imprisonment. |