Suicide Research Debunks Political Arguments

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) A study published today by a University of Utah professor debunks a central argument used by critics of legalizing physician-assisted suicide. Philosopher Margaret Battin collaborated with researchers in Oregon and the Netherlands to find out if more vulnerable patients are pressured to end their lives in places where doctor-aided suicide is legal. Battin tells KCPW's Julie Rose the results of her study may surprise some politicians and advocacy groups:

 

University of Utah philosophy professor Margaret Battin's study on physician-assisted suicide appears in the October issue of the Journal of Medical Ethics.

Publication details:

"Legal physician-assisted dying in Oregon and the Netherlands: evidence concerning the impact on patients in 'vulnerable' groups"

Authors: Margaret P. Battin, Agnes van der Heide, Linda Ganzini, Gerrit van der Wal, Bregje D Onwuteaka-Philipsen

J Med Ethics 2007;33:591-597

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