Combative Kevorkian Defends Right to Die
June 5, 2007
By John Wisely
Free Press Staff Writer
A still combative Jack Kevorkian promised again not to assist any
more suicides but also said he will press for natural rights,
including the right to doctor-assisted suicide.
The famous felon, who was released from prison Friday after
serving more than 8 years on a second-degree murder conviction,
held court for more than hour at Southfield's Skyline Club,
answering questions from the media and quoting philosophers and
statesmen.
"(Assisted suicide) is a natural right; you were born with that
right," Kevorkian said as more than a dozen photographers snapped
away and video cameras rolled. "You have all your rights in you."
Kevorkian appeared stronger than he had at his release from
prison. He stood the entire time he talked, gestured frequently
and sipped water only occasionally.
He said his hepatitis isn't bothering him currently, but he
worries that his liver disease could flare up at any time. He wore
one of his trademark powder blue cardigan sweaters and a blue
jacket that he said he bought at a thrift store for $15.
Kevorkian wouldn't say if he would do anything differently in the
crusade that launched him to international fame, but said he hopes
to foster appreciation of the 9th Amendment to the U.S.
Constitution, which says that rights spelled out in the
Constitution don't deny or disparage other rights retained by the
people.
"That's your savior," Kevorkian said.
About a dozen members of Not Dead Yet, a disabilities rights
organization, protested outside. Kevorkian's lawyer, Mayer
Morganroth, said they were entitled to their opinion "and he's
entitled to his," pointing at his client.
Kevorkian wasn't bothered by their presence: "Let the crippled
people demonstrate," Kevorkian said.
Contact JOHN WISELY at 248-351-3696 or
jwisely@freepress.com
SOURCE: Detroit Free Press