title: The relevance of data on physicians and disability on the right to assisted suicide: can empirical studies resolve the issue?
abstract: Opponents of a right to physician-assisted suicide rely heavily on the results of several empirical studies, particularly data concerning physicians and other health professionals. This commentary concludes that values, not empirical data, must ultimately determine the legality of assisted suicide. Studies cannot resolve the fundamental issue.
authors.affiliation: Health Services Adminstration Program, School of Policy Management, College of Health and Urban Affairs, Florida International University, 2845 Prairie Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33140, USA. batavia1957@hotmail.com
authors.forename: A I
authors.initials: AI
authors.lastname: Batavia
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003866:Depressive Disorder; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D036262:Empirical Research; D005066:Euthanasia, Passive; D006801:Humans; D008329:Managed Care Programs; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D011788:Quality of Life; D012046:Rehabilitation; D012297:Right to Die; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012945:Social Values; D017236:Suicide, Assisted / Q000523:psychology; D019452:Terminally Ill