Bizarre case in MI - parents choose homeopathy for cancer..

[BoxerTom]

Prosecutors are trying to force parents to surgically remove a brain tumor, and the surgery has a 70-80% chance of killing the child, yet without treatment (which includes using homeopathy), the child has virtually a 100% chance of dying within 2 years. If it was my son I'd take the 20% chance the surgery will work over the 100% chance doing nothing will result in death.



http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,86150,00.html

[Traci]

This gave me a bad feeling. While I can understand the choice of quality of life over the unknown, they surely are not so blind as to believe homeopathy is going to give her a fighting chance.

I also have a bad feeling about the judicial system. You know things change at the drop of a hat. If the parents are allowed their way, this may set a new precedent.

[TheSkeptic]

they have the precedent of forcing the parents of some religeous groups to allow their children to have life saving transfussions. With that as a bases they can probably force these idiots to allow the operation. Having said that, I have to admit that the consequences of a brain tumor that fatal, are often so bad that letting him die, may be the preferable alternative for the child.

[davet]

she brought the dog in only for a diagnosis...gave her the diagnosis and the prognosis which was good with treatment, bad without...she chose without and had her preacher and friends come over an pray over the dog...they prayed it dead and she wanted to sue me for not being for not being forcefull enough...can't win

[k9Karen]

Unfortunately, I have to agree with Skeptic. If I were given the choice of surgery with a 70% chance of not surviving the surgery at all, and, I believe possible in this case, the other 30% would be to survive with substantial brain damage (and still the chance that the cancer would recur or metastasize), I can't say I'd opt for the surgery for myself or my kid. If the 30% chace was a good one for a real cure with little chance of permanent brain damage, that's another story. As for the homoepathic angle, I'd be looking for an experimental program of anti-cancer immunotherapy or something like that.

[davet]

froma a brain tumor...he had the surgery about two yexars ago and they knew the surgery would prolong his life but not gtuarantee it...they could just take so much out, which they did and he lived two more years of which about 1 and 3/4 were quality life,,,the last few months were not but he did have an extra period of life...he left a wife and four children...so its a darned if you do, darned if you don't situation....

[BoxerTom]

It was reported today that the prosecutors have dropped the case. Apparently, the child's condition is deteriorating to the point where surgery is offering little or no hope. Which is no surprise as the poor child is being "treated" homeopathically. Sad story indeed.