If a Mom chooses natural treatments for a sick child, is she a criminal?

Is chemotherapy the only answer for cancer??

When a child is critically ill, the issue of parental rights in how to treat that child often becomes cloudy. It’s easy to understand when the courts intervene in the case of a child of Christian Science parents, who has
appendicitis and the parents refuse treatment on the grounds of religious belief. Odds are, an infected appendix will burst and cause severe illness and potentially death. Right now, the best treatment is removal of the infected appendix.

What about allergies, strep throat or even cancer?

Do we as parents have the right to choose the best care possible- even if it doesn’t involve drugs? Does any parent choosing a non-traditional treatment protocol do so out of carelessness, foolishness or selfish pride?

Hardly. Every parent I know, including myself, who has chosen an non-traditional treatment or drug-free protocol has done so after careful deliberation and personal research. We have made these choices based, not on mindless fear of medicine, but based on the very real results and scientific proof of drug free treatments.

Prescription drugs are not always a guarantee of anything. Not all surgeries are 100% effective. Adults and children both have died from the side effects of cancer treatments, surgeries, proper use of prescription drugs, and infections caught in hospitals. So people who choose alternative means often have very real concerns about the outcomes of pharmaceutical treatments.

And there is overwhelming, scientific proof that drug free protocols are often as effective as their drug based counterparts – at a fraction of the cost and without negative or serious side effects.  In fact, here in Virginia, a very similar case occurred two years ago.  Just recently, the boy’s blood work showed no trace of cancer.

So why is Daniel’s mother in Minnesota being treated like a criminal? Daniel has nodular sclerosing Hodgkin disease, the most common form of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Daniel’s Aunt died from her chemo treatments. The family did treat Daniel with one round of chemotherapy, and after seeking 3 different medical opinions, decided to treat Daniel with natural means. The family is not new to natural treatments, it is how they live their lives.

A judge decided that the family is being negligent and remanded Daniel to Child Protective Services. They would force Daniel through Chemotherapy against his parent’s, and Daniel’s wishes.

Daniel’s mother did, what any mother in her right mind would do. She has taken matters into her own hands, and she and Daniel have run away. Even her husband doesn’t know where they are.

I wish Daniel and his family well. I hope that his cancer heals and that the courts back off, and allow Daniel and his family to live according to their conscience.

In an era where the government is “trying to control costs” you’d think they’d applaud Daniel’s family, not seek to arrest them.  Daniel’s parents are taking personal responsibility and LOWERING the expense on society.  Too bad it’s not politically correct.

What do you think? Should Daniel be treated by standard chemotherapy protocol against the strong wishes of his family? Or should they be allowed to seek the treatment for him in accordance with their lifestyle?

Links: Boy who refuses cancer treatment flees with mother

Daniel’s story

Parents who refuse treatments on religious grounds

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About the Author: Karen Miner Hurd is a wellness educator, entrepreneur and a Mama Bear when it comes to her children.  She and her husband Dale live in Virginia Beach with their 5 children and Bomber the dog.  Karen is also the founder of the Hampton Roads Tea Party and the FreedomWize & WomanWize teams.  She is passionate about life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness and a good pumpkin pie.  Contact Karen if you are interested in natural health and infinite income from home. Karen@gohealthygo.com  or Twitter.com/LongevityCoach