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.
Question of the Day:
For what reasons is it appropriate, if any, to overrule a patient (or patient's guardians, powers of attorney, etc) to refuse medical treatment via the judicial system?
Visions of Terri Schiavo...except Daniel Hauser is 13. Who knows if he agrees with his parents' views on chemotherapy? Or his doctors?
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