Cases like this are severely concerning on many levels.
- When is it appropriate to err on the side of medicine instead of personal faith?
- What precedent will this case set? Will it become acceptable for CPS to take our kids if we don't believe they should take the battery of immunizations currently "recommended"?
- How can the we be sure that these types of "best interest" decisions will not be influenced by expensive procedures supporting special interests?
Commentary -
A judge may only interpret the laws passed by the legislature. Society is constitutionally protected from laws which abridge our freedom to peacefully practice religious beliefs. What law allows for the State to dictate the choices parents and children make in accordance with their beliefs? This is not a case of abuse, or a case where a family's beliefs are endangering society around them. This is a personal, private matter which is painful beyond comprehension. I would argue that this decision is as crazy as the state mandating blood letting on a child in the 1800s, but that would actually legitimize a false point. The issue is not whether Chemo or blood letting will provide a cure, it is that the family does not believe it will, and moreover their beliefs of faith restrict them to medication models of alternative medicine.
It is my opinion that this case sets a dangerous precedent for the reach of big government, and will amplify the anguish of this family.
