University of Michigan Faces Backlash for Honoring Jack Kevorkian

The University of Michigan is facing significant criticism for including Jack Kevorkian, a convicted murderer known for his role in assisted suicides, in a feature celebrating notable alumni from its medical school. Kevorkian, who graduated in 1952, gained notoriety for assisting in the deaths of over 130 patients between 1990 and 1998. His actions led to a murder conviction in 1999, resulting in an eight-year prison sentence. The university's "Medicine at Michigan" magazine recently highlighted Kevorkian among 175 distinguished alumni, portraying him as a transformative figure in the conversation surrounding assisted suicide.

University of Michigan slammed for honoring Jack Kevorkian

The feature, authored by Katie Vloet, describes Kevorkian as someone who "changed the conversation" on assisted suicide, framing him as an advocate rather than a criminal. Vloet's portrayal includes references to his fascination with death and his controversial medical practices, including attempts to conduct fatal experiments on death-row inmates. Critics, including University of Michigan professors Scott Lyons and Dr. Kristin Collier, have vehemently opposed this recognition. They argue that honoring Kevorkian undermines the ethical foundations of medicine, which prioritize the principle of "do no harm."

University of Michigan slammed for honoring Jack Kevorkian

In their joint essay for The Michigan Daily, Lyons and Collier assert that honoring Kevorkian equates to endorsing the act of suicide, a stance they deem a "grave moral error." They draw a parallel between Kevorkian and Ted Kaczynski, the "Unabomber," suggesting that both figures represent ideologies that should not be celebrated. They emphasize that the medical profession's core mission is to alleviate suffering without causing harm, which they argue Kevorkian's actions fundamentally contradict.

University of Michigan slammed for honoring Jack Kevorkian

The controversy occurs against a backdrop of evolving public attitudes toward assisted suicide. A 2024 Gallup poll indicates that 71% of Americans support legalizing physician-assisted suicide under certain conditions. This shift in societal views is reflected in Vloet's assertion that Kevorkian was a pioneer in the movement, as physician-assisted suicide is now legal in ten states and Washington, D.C.

University of Michigan slammed for honoring Jack Kevorkian

The University of Michigan's decision to honor Jack Kevorkian has sparked a broader debate about the ethical implications of recognizing individuals whose actions challenge the core values of the medical profession. Critics maintain that there is nothing commendable about a figure who facilitated the deaths of vulnerable individuals, arguing that all lives hold intrinsic value. As discussions continue, the university faces pressure to reconsider the implications of such honors in the context of medical ethics and societal values.

University of Michigan slammed for honoring Jack Kevorkian

• “ They concluded: At its core, medicine has always been grounded in the principle of “do no harm,” which means one does not relieve suffering by eliminating the sufferer.” — Scott Lyons, Professor, University of Michigan

University of Michigan slammed for honoring Jack Kevorkian

• “The Bottom Line: There is nothing to honor about a man who took the lives of over 130 ill, elderly, or disabled people.” — Kristin Collier, Professor, University of Michigan

University of Michigan slammed for honoring Jack Kevorkian