Judge rules family can't refuse chemo for boy

[Silverm00n]

As many of you have probably seen this article about the boy who is forced to undergo chemo to treat his illness, I wanted to post it on here because as I was reading it I saw the phrase "medicine man" and "religious beliefs." Apparently his parents are part of an organization called the "Nemenhah Band," which is suppose to follow certain Native American practices. So doing some digging, I came across their official site, where they had mentioned "Harm none." I thought I'd post this on here to generate some conversation, also the organization seemed pretty standard until I read that you need to pay $250 to become a member and then $100 annually plus additional offerings that are mandatory. I found that to be complete B.S! Apparently the parents are also Catholic and say that this other religious belief does not interfere in their practice, however I know we were talking a bit about Wiccan Christianity and so I think this would mesh well with that convo as well. How ok is it for the governemt to force treatment on someone, even if they refuse it? Thoughts, opinions?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/ap_on_he_me/us_med_forced_chemo

http://www.nemenhah.org/index.html

[kitsune_shonen]

I'd say that if the child wants chemo, then his right to get it overrides his parents' right to deny it from him(especially on religious grounds). I do not agree, however, that the government can force this on someone. I'd say the government can mandate that the parents give it to the child, but only with the child's consent.

[Silverm00n]

The child doesn't want the chemo, and the parents agree with him. I get that minors don't have a voice till their 18, but if the parents refuse as well as the kid, then the judge should leave it alone. It should have never even gone to court. Even if the child dies, I still think it's the parents and the child's call.