STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

clothes_horse · Dooney & Bourke

Minn. Judge Rules Teen Must Be Treated For Cancer

Hermes

I almost posted this myself. I don't know what to think. On one hand, I don't like the government controlling our bodies and health decisions. On the other hand, here is a boy that will very likely die if he doesn't get chemo. Then again, who knows, maybe the alternative medicine will work...

blink · Coach

My thoughts exactly, D.

It's never so black and white.

Aurora · Marc Jacobs

I think because he is a minor that I am ok with the Judge's decision. If he were an adult I'd disagree but I don't think a child/minor fully understands the issue/disease and treatments and what can happen. From what I have read online it seems as if he went through one treatment and showed signs of improvement and then stopped. He has been trying the alternative medicine for 3 months now (I think) and it has actually worsened his condition not helped it at all. I think it's time to go back to what was working and get him the treatment he needs before it is too late.

Kelly · Hermes

I agree with Aurora. I say, adults can do whatever they want and try whatever they want to try (or not) to deal with their medical problems. But I don't think a minor is in a place to make that decision for himself.

But then again, it is a religious thing it sounds like.....it's so gray. In the end, I think I agree with the judge. I can see how the family could be enraged. But is this family using religion to excuse away their ignorance? If the boy doesn't even understand that he is ill to begin with, then he absolutely can't understand the situation, and it makes me wonder if the parents really understand themselves.

fairywings · Dooney & Bourke

I have also read from a different source that he is not able to read because he is severly learning disabled. I think that is of high importance because he is not able to make a rational educated judgement because he can't even research chemo. At 13, you do not have freedom to do whatever you want to your body legally. I think that by taking the child away, the mother is making a huge mistake both for her and the child.

Suasoria · Chanel

I'm kind of interested in this story and kind of afraid to comment. As things stand, a pharmacist has the right to refuse to dispense a medication based on his/her religious beliefs. A doctor or nurse may refuse to perform a treatment or procedure for the same reason.

I see much clearer grounds for an individual to refuse medical treatment on their own behalf, or a parent to make that decision for a minor child. Christian Scientists, Jehovah Witnesses, strict Muslims - there are many religions that avoid some or all medical approaches.

What makes this family controversial IMO is that their belief system itself is outside the mainstream. It's a culture that bears little resemblance to our idea of organized religion, and we're much more uncomfortable and judgmental of their choices.

By the way in my state and several others, when a patient is diagnosed with cancer, a doctor must offer radiation, chemo, and/or surgery. It is against the law to suggest any other form of treatment. There are alternatives, some more proven and established than others, but the health care industry doesn't accept them. So I'm thinking that their refusal of chemo is one thing, but their intention to use traditional/sacred healing is another - that just makes them more challenging to the mainstream culture.

In other words if they were trying to treat their son with prayer, we might be more accepting. Since what they choose to do is portrayed as voodoo, we're not so down with it.