NOT DEAD YET
7521 Madison St.
Forest Park, IL 60130
(708) 209-1500
PRESS RELEASE
February 19, 1997
Disabled Activists call for
an end to Kevorkian's Freedom
Not Dead Yet, a national disability rights group opposing the legalization of
physician assisted suicide, supports Raymond Voet, the Ionia County
prosecutor's attempt to limit Dr. Jack Kevorkian's bail.
The Michigan Supreme Court has ruled that "assisted suicide" is illegal under
common law in Michigan. A judge in Ionia County released Kevorkian on his own
recognizance on the condition he assist in no more suicides. However, two
women were found dead in Oakland County, one in Kevorkian's van. Kevorkian is
an obvious suspect in those deaths. Geoffrey Fieger, Kevorkian's lawyer,
has said in regard to the deaths that authorities "know there's no copycat."
This taunting is typical of the contempt that Kevorkian and his attorney have
expressed for the legal system.
"Not Dead Yet members believe that Jack Kevorkian should remain in custody
until he is brought to trial," Diane Coleman, NDY organizer stated. "It is
the only way to protect the lives of people with disabilities. No other
serial killer would be free on the streets under these circumstances. Why
should Kevorkian?"
"Kevorkian's actions make the killing of people with disabilities seem
acceptable. It is time for the courts to stop aiding and abetting him in his
crimes," Coleman said.
Jack Kevorkian has admitted to "assisting" in more than 45 deaths in
Michigan. The vast majority of his victims have been people with disabling
conditions not considered to be terminal.
The Oakland County prosecutor, David Gorcyca, has refused to bring charges
related to the two most recent deaths, or to conduct a thorough
investigation. Last Friday, Not Dead Yet members held a protest at his
office, demanding investigation and prosecution of Kevorkian.
For more information, call Diane Coleman at 708-209-1500, ext. 11; or Bob
Liston at 313-662-1256, or contact Stephen N. Drake, Robin Stephens or Bob Liston by E-mail.
Related Stories in The Ragged Edge:
They're singing those ol' Kevorkian Blues
(January '97).
Paul Longmore talks about terminal
illness and how society misses the real issues (January '97).
Mary Jane Owen and Not Dead Yet meet a furious
parrot (January '97).
Your Instant Edge: Frequent updates on the
assisted-suicide and right-to-die issue and other breaking disability-rights
news.
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