Likely no name is more synonymous with the “right to die” movement than Jack Kevorkian. He was considered rogue in his day, but never wavered in his advocacy for patients to make their own health care decisions, and likely can be credited with the increased awareness of the role of autonomy in health care and end of life decisions, better usage of palliative and hospice care services. Love him or hate him, he definitely made his mark.

Sources:

Jack Kevorkian - Wikipedia

Levinson, B. (2010). You Don’t Know Jack. USA: HBO Films.

Jack Kevorkian, convicted in assisted suicides, dies at 83 (nbcnews.com)

120 people Dr. Kevorkian helped to die (finalexit.org)

Jack Kevorkian Dies, Leaves Controversial Legacy, No Successor - ABC News (go.com)

The First 'Dr. Death,' Jack Kevorkian, Euthanized 130 Patients | Crime News (oxygen.com)

The Life of Dr. Death | Bentley Historical Library (umich.edu)

Galkin, M. (2010). Kevorkian. USA: Fairhaven Films.

Nicol, N. and Wylie, H. (2006). Between the Dying and the Dead: Dr. Jack Kevorkian’s Life and the Battle to Legalize Euthanasia. Vision UK.