Right to refuse medical treatment denied

A child has no right legally to make those types of decisions those are left to the parents to make doctors are obligated to save lives they take a hypocratic oath when they become doctors now if this child didnt have much of a chance either way i would say let them do what they want - its a family matter BUT because this child had a 90% chance of full recovery WITH modern medicine I say the doctors have every right to try to help this child even if it means calling upon CPS for help I dont understand people who deny medical care for their dying child because it goes against their religion seriously if my God or Goddess ever put me in that situation and told me that I couldnt save my child... I would become an atheist real quick I would sell my soul to the devil(if there were a devil) to save my childrens lives

I believe there's such a thing as taking a religion too far. This is one of those cases. Sometimes someone has to step in when the parent's aren't thinking clearly.

This is always a tough issue for me. Overall I support the rights of people to refuse medical treatment if they deem it is not best for them. But children don't have full decision making rights in this society and by no means do I think they should. Their little brains are still developing yet at the same time I know what harm surgery and treatment for various kinds of things can do and do to a kid. I was harmed by a surgery that was suppose to make me walk. I still don't walk and in fact am less mobile then I was before the surgery. No one listened to my objections.They said I didn't have any choice cause I was a little kid. So its a double edge sword.

Hi TLChimes, This is a question that has been debated for a long time but I don't think that any child should die because of the parents religious beliefs. On the other hand I think that each case should be considered on it's own merits. What are the chances that the alternative medicine will work just as well or better? I know some adults who refuse cancer treatments because of the harmful side affects, and often they live longer than someone who takes the treatment. If it was something simple like refusing a blood transfusion, than I think it should be done over the objections of the parents. If parents have another plan that has been known to work before, then I think it's a different matter. Christian Scientists have for years refused medical treatment, but will go to a hospital to have bones set and will also take medication for extreme pain. Their method of healing has been proven to be very successful in years past although I don't hear much about them today. The Roman Catholic Shrines have also had a big success rate but other than those two, there is little evidence of religious healing. I'd say find out more about those alternative medicines before deciding whether you agree with the judge or not. Blessings.

Well, if it was a tossup as to which treatment might work, then, fine, let the parents flip the coin. But with a 90% recovery rate with that treatment, why would anyone in their right mind chose otherwise? Sure, I see the reasoning for Child Services to be involved. To take the parent's 'right to choose' away and make a sensible decision for what is in the best interest of the child. Not so the parents can follow some fanatical religious choice.

Hi TLChimes, once again we hear of these religious nuts, what right have they got to decide on their child's life, they can't risk their child's life for goodness sake, I really cannot understand some people and I think it will be great if the child were taken into custody so he can get treatment. They have the right with their own lives but not when its comes to a child whe does not know his own mind but just go along with his parents because they say so. Tamara

If an adult wants to refuse medical treatment, whether it's for religious reasons or otherwise, that's up to them. As far as a child is concerned then I think it very much depends on the age of the child, their intellectual ability and their medical circumstances. There was a case here in the UK fairly recently of a 14 year old girl with a terminal heart condition who refused further treatment because, after numerous operations and treatments, she didn't want to suffer any longer. She just wanted to live what was left of her life in peace and to die with some dignity. She was making an informed choice about how she wanted to live and die which is fair enough. In the case of this particular child I think it's right that CPS are involved. The parents sound nutty, the child is 13 years old and can't read - I'm finding it hard to accept he's making a carefully considered and well-informed decision. I think the judge is absolutely right when he ruled that "the state’s interest in protecting the child overrides the constitutional right to freedom of religious expression and a parent’s right to direct a child’s upbringing". Adults can take risks with their own lives, they don't have the right to take risks with their children's lives.

When I heard this on the news I was dumbfounded that the parents wouldn't want to help their child. We have the power to think. That is what makes us human. As humans we develop treatments to cure disease. God gave us the ability to think. He created us in his image. If we have the ability to create something to cure we should use that cure. This child has a right to live. I believe that the court did the right thing where this child is concerned. I think about people like Lance Armstrong who fought the odds and pulled through. This was a miracle. Miracles do happen. I believe that medical treatments are miracles that will work with the help of our faith in God.

Many people believe that its actually the chemo that kills, not the cancer. There are many alternative methods of treating (and curing) cancer that do not involve conventional western medicine. People should be able to choose and not be forced into a "treatment" program that typically does not help.

While I respect ppl's views on their religion when it comes to a child who hasn't chosen that religion then it becomes an issue of parents forcing their beliefs on their kids. The fact that these parents would rather see their child die then let him have treatment tells me alot about them. Mainly that they are selfish and their god is unforgiving. I think in cases like this someone needs to step in for the child and do what's right by them. [b]~~AT PEACE WITHIN~~ **STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS**[/b]

If it's an adult, I'd be ok with it but this is a child. A child has no say in what the parents allow to happen. Now medically speaking, that child should be given every chance at survival. As you know, cancer is no joke. It can be very painful if left untreated and gosh, what a way to die! Alternative treatments don't always work so why not give the child every chance at surviving? Parents can be stupid in their way of thinking and aren't always good parents that's why the social services have to step in. Not that they're right all the time for they're not but a child has no say in what's to be done where as an adult does.

Religious fanatics are never a good thing. I think everyone has a right to their own philosophy and to follow their own guidelines in the type of medical help they chose. No one has the right to dictate what a person can or can't do in this area. People need to be aware and proactive when it comes to their medical care. It is their own responsibility. Yes, I agree. When CPS gets in the mix it can get hairy.

Hello my friend TLChimes Ji, Well, I think parent should be allowed the way they wish to be treated their son. I do not think any one else, other than boy's parent are involved. Could court give in writing for any un-toward consequences resulting after treatment. Could anyone say taht boy will survive and if they can not, let parents decide the way thet wish. May god bless You and have a great time.