Contrary to their overblown egoes, Judges aren't Doctors... Contrary to the God complexes of some Doctors, they are merely "practicing" their art... Why we even think to allow our courts and medical professionals to do our thinking for us is a mystery to me.

If someone wants to refuse consent to treatment, that's their right. If someone wants to refuse treatment for their kids, that's their right. In the name of "humanity" and something resembling giving a crap, we make up excuses about why the government, the medical profession or anyone else should be able to force treatment on someone else. Treatment that we want forced, simply because our own biases demand it. Yet, if it were us, we would demand the freedom to choose.

if he has been through Chemo and doesn't want his body filled with poisons again, that should be his choice... if his folks are backing him up, the judge and the doctor should shut up.

if he has been through Chemo and doesn't want his body filled with poisons again, that should be his choice... if his folks are backing him up, the judge and the doctor should shut up.

Although not in the link, I was impressed with his radio interview.  In it, he said that during his first Chemo episode, he wished he was dead.  I have never been through chemo, but I have heard the same comments from those that have.

If he was my son, I would plead with him (if I thought there was a chance - his parents dont).  But in the end, I would spend every last minute with him and support his decision.

But I guess to answer my own question - at what age?  16.  And not before.

I think parents know their children well enough to know if they are making an informed decision or not.  I guess it is also a reflection on their own parenting skills.  In my opinion the only person who really knows what they want, and what is right for them is that young man, in turn his parents know him, and I am sure they trust and value his opinions, and what he wants to do with his own life and body.  I think other people should learn to respect that too.  Depending on the person, and the situation, I would say sixteen is a good age to start making decisions about such things.

I'm with Sally. The parents also know the maturity of their children as well understand whether they are making informed decision no matter WHAT the age. I can't give ya an age Doc because people mature at such different ages. Some kids are super responsible at 16 others well not so much.

I think parents know their children well enough to know if they are making an informed decision or not.

Damn Sally! That was perfect!  What I searched for in hundreds of words, you nailed with those few!  You get a cookie.  I wish I could give you more.

I'm with Sally. The parents also know the maturity of their children as well understand whether they are making informed decision no matter WHAT the age.

No age required!  I am with Sally as well.  For me it is 16.  But you both are right.  That age would depend on the parents and the child.  I would have a problem going much lower.  But given the circmstances (and that always has to play a part) it is apparent the parents do know the maturity of the child.  I think it speaks a lot for them that the age is not too young.  It is not like he just found out he has cancer after all.

The older I get, the older I think the Age of Informed Consent should be.

As far as I'm concerned, even a twenty-one year old isn't experienced or mature enough to make important life decisions.

All a bunch of punkass kids, if you ask me.

Now, where's my dentures?

Now, where's my dentures?

And how old are yours?  Methinks I see a father in them thar words.

While that would be a tough decision for anyone, I agree that it depends a great deal on the maturity of the person in question.

I also agree that the courts should have nothing to do with something like this. It's far outside their intended purview and is symptomatic of the nanny state mentality.

I agree with both Sally and Adventure Dude, although I will say anyone who has to go through chemo, no matter what age, should be able to make their own choices. I'm also pleased to hear that some judges actually have some common sense. The Department of Social Services should be ashamed of themselves for even getting involved.

This is like the worst of both sides of the Terri Schiavo case rolled into one. Not only do we know for a fact the person wants to cease treatment, we also have the unquestionably legal guardian agreeing. They can't paint this as doctor assisted suicide or anything else that would be illegal.

All I figure is that they are using the same precedents they use for 'faith healer' families that refuse to take small children for medical care. I think you'd have to be pretty much an activist in a robe to see it as the same, though.

I also agree that the courts should have nothing to do with something like this. It's far outside their intended purview and is symptomatic of the nanny state mentality.

Unfortunately, I think the courts were dragged into this by the state Social Services.  The State Social services should have butted out when it was clear that there was no denial of services to the child.  Just a Young Man's wishes.  And it is not like he is talking voodoo medicine.  It is an alternate treatment.

The Department of Social Services should be ashamed of themselves for even getting involved.

Again unfortunately, they are not.  Nor are they backing down.

All I figure is that they are using the same precedents they use for 'faith healer' families that refuse to take small children for medical care. I think you'd have to be pretty much an activist in a robe to see it as the same, though.

Exactly.  He wants treatment, just not what the DSS has decided.  But the decision should be in his and his parents hands.  Alternate does not mean snake oil and prayer.

if he has been through Chemo and doesn't want his body filled with poisons again, that should be his choice... if his folks are backing him up, the judge and the doctor should shut up.

I couldn't have said it better. I am especially fabbergasted that anyone would go over his parents. I could see if the parents thought that their child wasn't properly informed to make that kind of decision and were fighting to change his mind, there might be an issue. These parents are supporting their son. That should be the final say.