# Jack Kevorkian

> American pathologist, euthanasia activist (1928-2011)

**Wikidata**: [Q46636](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q46636)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Kevorkian)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/jack-kevorkian

## Summary
Jack Kevorkian was an American pathologist and euthanasia activist, best known for his controversial advocacy of physician-assisted suicide. Born in 1928, he became a prominent figure in the debate over end-of-life choices, earning both admiration and condemnation for his actions.

## Biography
- Born: May 26, 1928
- Nationality: United States
- Education:
  - Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Michigan (1950)
  - Doctor of Medicine from the University of Michigan (1952)
- Known for: Pioneering physician-assisted suicide and advocacy for terminally ill patients
- Employer(s):
  - Michigan Medicine (University of Michigan)
  - University of Michigan
- Field(s): Pathology, medical ethics

## Contributions
Jack Kevorkian is best known for his role in the 1990s as a leading advocate for physician-assisted suicide, particularly for terminally ill patients. He performed over 130 assisted suicides, which led to legal battles and public controversy. His work sparked national debates about euthanasia, end-of-life care, and the role of physicians in determining patient fate.

## FAQs
**What was Jack Kevorkian's profession?**
Jack Kevorkian was an American pathologist who specialized in medical ethics, particularly in the controversial field of physician-assisted suicide.

**Where did Jack Kevorkian work?**
He was affiliated with Michigan Medicine and the University of Michigan, where he practiced medicine and advocated for euthanasia.

**What was Jack Kevorkian known for?**
He was known for his advocacy of physician-assisted suicide, performing over 130 assisted deaths, which led to legal and ethical debates.

**What was the outcome of Jack Kevorkian's activism?**
His actions sparked national discussions about euthanasia, end-of-life care, and the role of physicians in determining patient fate, leaving a lasting impact on medical ethics.

## Why They Matter
Jack Kevorkian's work fundamentally altered the debate over physician-assisted suicide, forcing society to confront ethical and legal questions about end-of-life choices. His activism led to legal battles, public outcry, and policy changes, making him a polarizing but influential figure in medical ethics. His legacy continues to shape discussions about euthanasia and the rights of terminally ill patients.

## Notable For
- Advocated for physician-assisted suicide, performing over 130 assisted deaths
- Sparked national debates on euthanasia and end-of-life care
- Affiliated with Michigan Medicine and the University of Michigan
- Known by the nickname "Dr. Death" due to his controversial actions
- Influenced legal and ethical discussions on medical ethics

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Jack Kevorkian was born on May 26, 1928, in the United States. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Michigan in 1950 and later a Doctor of Medicine from the same institution in 1952. His academic background in English and medicine laid the foundation for his later work in medical ethics.

### Career and Medical Practice
Kevorkian practiced as a pathologist and worked at Michigan Medicine, where he specialized in medical ethics. His career was marked by his controversial advocacy for physician-assisted suicide, particularly for terminally ill patients. He became a prominent figure in the debate over euthanasia, earning both admiration and condemnation for his actions.

### Advocacy for Physician-Assisted Suicide
Kevorkian performed over 130 assisted suicides, which led to legal battles and public controversy. His activism sparked national discussions about euthanasia, end-of-life care, and the role of physicians in determining patient fate. His work had a lasting impact on medical ethics and the legal framework surrounding assisted suicide.

### Legacy and Influence
Jack Kevorkian's legacy continues to shape discussions about euthanasia and the rights of terminally ill patients. His actions led to policy changes and legal battles, making him a polarizing but influential figure in medical ethics. His work remains a subject of debate and study in the field of medical ethics.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. International Standard Name Identifier
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
5. Find a Grave
6. [Source](http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43265235/)
7. SNAC
8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
9. IdRef
10. BBC Things
11. LIBRIS. 2011