MCIL News Release Archive
				National ADAPT
				M C I L
				Tennessee ADAPT
				Not Dead Yet!
				B F M S

Activists call for an end to Kevorkian's Freedom

February 19, 1997

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.

Local, Memphis:

Tim Wheat
(901) 726-6404 * (901) 726-6521 fax
1633 Madison Avenue  - Memphis TN 38104

National:

Steve Drake
Rochester, NY.

Diane Coleman
(708) 209-1500 ext. 11
7521 Madison St., - Forest Park, IL 60130

Lucy Gwin
Editor of Mouth
(716) 244-6599

The Memphis Center for Independent Living
1633 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104
(901) 726-6404 v/tty (901) 726-6521 fax
mcil@mcil.org 

MCIL is a United Way of the Mid-South member Agency

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