This question has elements of ethics and religion involved. I am simply asking not stating or arguing any position.
My question is this:
If the odds of a given chemotherapy regimen are 60% chance of cure and 40% chance of failure is that still compelling?
This is based on the recent ruling:
The judge wrote that Daniel has only a "rudimentary understanding at best of the risks and benefits of chemotherapy. ... he does not believe he is ill currently. The fact is that he is very ill currently."
Daniel's court-appointed attorney, Philip Elbert, called the decision unfortunate.
"I feel it's a blow to families," he said. "It marginalizes the decisions that parents face every day in regard to their children's medical care. It really affirms the role that big government is better at making our decisions for us."
Elbert said he hadn't spoken to his client yet. The phone line at the Hauser home in Sleepy Eye in southwestern Minnesota had a busy signal Friday. The parents' attorney had no immediate comment but planned to issue a statement.
Daniel was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma and stopped chemotherapy in February after a single treatment. He and his parents opted instead for "alternative medicines" based on their religious beliefs.
Child protection workers accused Daniel's parents of medical neglect; but in court, his mother insisted the boy wouldn't submit to chemotherapy for religious reasons and she said she wouldn't comply if the court orders it.
Doctors have said Daniel's cancer had up to a 90 percent chance of being cured with chemotherapy and radiation. Without those treatments, doctors said his chances of survival are 5 percent.
I am not taking sides simply asking for your thoughts.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/ap_on_he_me/us_med_forced_chemo
Wow cassie very interesting thought! I did not begin to think completely about the implications of this idea.
Prometheus Unbound
This may be an issue that atheists and Theists can agree on.
The court has no right to impose on the belief of a 13 year old regardless of the percentages. This is simply more government intrusion into the private lives of citizens. If he wants to swallow his silly herbal treatments instead, so be it.
ZAPPEDZILLA ~P3D~
When clearly reasonable treatment is being denied to a minor by parents or guardians.
Cassie
I say that, if we don't have the right to euthanize someone who specifically wants that.... we don't have any right to force them to go through treatment and get better, either.
Interesting thing to think about.
Hyde
It's scary. I don't know the answer, although I lean towards the family's perspective.
I don't know what's worse - having a govornment dictate a family decision or a family disallowing potentially life-saving treatment. I don't know enough about the story.
RU486
I think the court did the right thing. Freedom of religion should not include a right to child abuse.
Annie
I have to agree with what Cassie is saying..... I have often thought that way myself..... Simply stated, you can NOT have it both ways, either it is separation of *church* and *state* or it is not..... As a mother, my heart breaks for these people to even think that a child has cancer, I have been there !!!!!!! so I KNOW what it is like..... A simple surgery took care of the cancer..... But, I am well know for the statement, * IF *I* ever get cancer, I will NOT have treatment*... point blank !!!!! go in peace...... God bless
Marysia
well the way it stands right now a 13 year old can get an abortion at various clinics without parental consent - as they don't verify ages so why can't they decide their own lifes fate?
ozbluei
Who really thinks that a 13 yr old has developed their own religious beliefs ? He is a minor and is only repeating what he has been instructed.
The court can force treatment. Mainly in the case of mentally ill people who are dangerous to themselves or others. Or in the case when someone is a minor and their guardian's neglect is harmful or potentially lethal.
Cassie - you are talking about adults and it is true - without consent, a doctor would be charged with assault for treating someone against their will - however, in this case we are talking about a minor which is a totally different situation.
Orignal From: Spiritually speaking, at what point do the courts have the power to intervene and force medical treatment?
Post a Comment