"Dying Is Not A Crime" -J. Kevorkian

Today sees the passing of one of modern history’s great champion for personal freedom and human rights, Jack Kevorkian. I understand my politics at times are difficult for some to understand but hear me out before you dismiss this post based on what is not really a controversial statement at all.

Known to many as ‘Doctor Death’ for his public endorsement and practice of voluntary euthanasia. Much attention is paid in the United States in the handling of abortion issues, and how it pertains to government regulation over the physical bodies of its citizens.

The Supreme Court of the United States issued the following opinion in it’s 1992 case Planned Parenthood v. Casey citing the Fourteenth Amendment:

“If the right of privacy means anything, it is the right of the individual, married or single, to be free from unwarranted governmental intrusion into matters so fundamentally affecting a person as the decision whether to bear or beget a child.”

I, for one, do not see any fundamental distinctions between freedom to choose what is best for someone’s own body as it pertains to abortion, euthanasia, getting a piercing or tattoo, or even wearing a hijab. These issues are not within the scope of the powers given by the people to our government. Understandably, euthanasia, abortion, or any of these are not one-size-fits-all solutions but no founding father would have willingly waived these decisions to an appointed authority. Additionally, with the freedom over healthcare becoming a keystone issue in US Politics in recent years, it seems counter-intuitive that we should continue to support selective freedom in selecting healthcare options.

Rest In Peace to a misunderstood man who was not afraid to take a controversial stand and surrender his freedom hoping to expand individual rights.