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May 19, 2009
I don't know about this
Victim, originally uploaded by mgm photography..
I'm kind of interested in the case of Daniel Hauser, the 13 year old boy who refuses to undergo chemotherapy for his highly treatable Hodgkin's lymphoma. His parents, who subscribe to the teachings of the Nemenhah Band, think that the chemotherapy will do more harm than good, and are seeking alternative remedies.
The state got involved, and a judge ordered that the state take custody of the son, and plans to order chemotherapy if it is necessary. When the mother and son failed to show up for a hearing, the judge issued an arrest warrant.
This is very interesting to me. First, it's extremely stupid to me that somebody would refuse a life-saving treatment like chemotherapy. God forbid, if something like this would happen to me or somebody I loved, I'd want to use all available treatments. But not these people. I understand the religious aspect of it, but it also seems ludicrous that somebody would refuse a treatment like that.
On the other hand, I also feel like the government shouldn't be getting involved in this. I always cast a weary eye at parents whose kids die because they think the kid will be healed with prayer. But here, we have a kid who is 13, and seems capable of making a rational choice. He says he doesn't want the treatment. His parents don't want the treatment. Why should the government step into this case, when people are making an informed, but incredibly dumb, choice?
entry no. 1375
Posted at May 19, 2009 03:17 PM