Jack Kevorkian

“The patient's autonomy always, always should be respected, even if it is absolutely contrary - the decision is contrary to best medical advice and what the physician wants.”

“The law doesn't create a right.”

“I don't crave publicity, you know.”

“I will admit, like Socrates and Aristotle and Plato and some other philosophers, that there are instances where the death penalty would seem appropriate.”

“There's no doubt I expect to die in prison.”

“I suppose, if helping a patient die is killing, I suppose I'm a killer.”

“If you don't have liberty and self-determination, you've got nothing, that's what this is what this country is built on. And this is the ultimate self-determination, when you determine how and when you're going to die when you're suffering.”

“She made the decision that her existence had lost its meaning. And you cannot judge that.”

“I don't enjoy good food. I don't enjoy flashy cars. I don't care if I live in a dump. I don't enjoy good clothes. This is the best I've dressed in months.”

“This could never be a crime in any society which deems himself enlightened.”

“You're basing your laws and your whole outlook on natural life on mythology. It won't work. That's why you have all these problems in the world. Name them: India, Pakistan, Ireland. Name them-all these problems. They're all religious problems.”

“Look at the forces against me. They don't want me out. They're afraid I'll cause trouble if I get out.”

“Am I a criminal? The world knows I'm not a criminal. What are they trying to put me in jail for? You've lost common sense in this society because of religious fanaticism and dogma.”

“My religion centers in different areas than what's considered conventional religion.”

“What I think a doctor should do is prevent disease, by any means necessary.”

“My ultimate aim is to make euthanasia a positive experience.”

“I'm not the kind of guy who has best friends.”

“Five to six thousand people die every year waiting for organs, but nobody cares.”

“When your conscience says law is immoral, don't follow it.”

“There is nothing anyone can do anyway. The public has no power. The government knows I'm not a criminal. The parole board knows I'm not a criminal. The judge knows I'm not a criminal.”