Jack Kevorkian, M.D. and the Criterion for Death Determination

The Importance of Respiration in Death Determination

Respiration: In the field of medicine, especially in determining death, the function of respiration plays a significant role. Respiration refers to the process of inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide, which is vital for sustaining life. Jack Kevorkian, M.D., a prominent figure in the field of thanatology, believed that monitoring respiration is crucial in determining if a person is deceased.

Vital Organs and Death

Vital Organs: The human body comprises several vital organs, including the heart, brain, kidneys, liver, and lungs. These organs are essential for the functioning and survival of the organism. When respiration ceases, it indicates that the lungs, a vital organ responsible for oxygen exchange, have stopped functioning, leading to the cessation of life.

Medical Intervention and Death Determination

Medical Intervention: In cases where respiration stops and other vital signs cease, medical intervention may be necessary to try and revive the individual. However, the absence of respiration is a significant indicator of death and often used in conjunction with other criteria to determine the status of a person's life.

Therefore, Jack Kevorkian, M.D., considered respiration as the most reliable way to determine if a person is dead, emphasizing its importance in the field of medicine and thanatology.