Jack Kevorkian, a pathologist who assisted 130 terminally ill patients to “die with dignity” brought to light the controversial debate on euthanasia. He pioneered a new perspective to “mercy killing” as virtuous and appropriate for those with inoperable illnesses. At Thomas Youk’s request, a ALS victim, Kevorkian injected a strong dose of potassium chloride to end his suffering. This death machine known as “Thanatron” was constructed out of spare household tools, which allows the patients to be in a deep coma before stopping their heart. “ Doctor Death” was then charged with second degree murder on March 6, 1996. Recently, a 29 year old woman, Brittany Maynard was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. Under Oregon’s aid in dying law, she took
