WASHINGTON, March 26, 1999 -- "Finally, the relentless Kevorkian killing campaign will cease," Family Research Council's Legal Analyst Teresa Wagner said Friday. "America now knows that its homicide laws protect the weak, the sick and the disabled, as well as those who are strong and healthy." Dr. Jack Kevorkian was convicted Friday of second-degree murder and delivery of a controlled substance for giving a lethal injection to an ailing man whose death was shown on "60 Minutes." It was the first time in five trials that the suicide doctor was found guilty.
"Any American who will ever be a patient -- which is to say, every American -- should celebrate this conviction," Wagner said. "For now, America can commit to caring for patients, not killing them.
"The American public clearly rejects killing as a way of solving medical problems. In fact, the most lopsided vote ever recorded on the question of assisted suicide occurred right in Michigan just last fall with the defeat of Proposal B by 71% to 29%. With Dr. Kevorkian's conviction, the citizens of Michigan have again reassured the nation of their sound judgment in rejecting killing as a response to disease or disability.
"Those of good will should unite to improve care for our sick: getting existing pain relief techniques to patients in discomfort; screening and treating for depression and demoralization among those fighting disease; and supporting hospice care for the families who need it."