|
|
|
| 1920 |
|
"The Permission
to Destroy Life Unworthy of Life", by Alfred Hoche, M.D., and Karl Binding, is
published. They argue in their book that patients who ask for "death assistance"
should, under very carefully controlled conditions, be able to obtain it from a physician. |
| 1973 |
|
The Roe vs. Wade
court decision allows abortions to be legally performed in the United States. |
| 1973 |
|
The Netherlands -
Courts begin establishing guidelines for when it is permissible for physicians to assist a
patient in committing suicide. |
| 1984 |
|
The Netherlands -
the Royal Society of Medicine issues "rules of careful conduct" for euthanasia. |
| 1985 |
|
The Netherlands - a
court drops the "terminal illness" requirement in a case involving a young girl
with multiple sclerosis. |
| 1990 |
|
Janet Adkins, 54, of
Oregon, is first person to die using Dr. Jack Kevorkian's suicide machine. |
| 1991 |
|
Kevorkian's medical
license is suspended. He assists in 2 more suicides. |
| 1994 |
|
"Death with
Dignity" law is passed in Oregon. It is opposed by National Right to Life and the
Catholic Church. |
| 1994 |
|
Kevorkian is
acquited of assisted suicide. He has assisted in 21 suicides. |
| 1995 |
|
The Netherlands -
Parliament passes legislation codifying these court decisions into law. |
| 1998 |
|
Thomas Youk killed
on CBS' "60 Minutes" by Dr. Jack Kevorkian |
| 1999 |
|
Kevorkian is
convicted of 2nd degree murder. In all he has assisted in the deaths of 47 people. |
