Web Wednesday: Parents Refuse Cancer Treatment For Son

Religion Cancer Treatment An arrest warrant has been issued for a Minnesota woman who has reportedly taken off with her 13-year-old son who has cancer.

by Kesshia Peyton

Published: Wed, May 20, 2009 - 1:51 am CST Last Updated: Wed, May 20, 2009 - 6:02 am CST

An arrest warrant has been issued for a Minnesota woman who has reportedly taken off with her 13-year-old son who has cancer.
Daniel Hauser has refused treatment for Hodgkins lymphoma and his parents have supported his decision.
Anthony and Colleen Hauser allowed their son to have one chemotherapy treatment, but then opted for a "natural" treatment because of their Native American religious beliefs (Nemenhah).
When they refused the chemotherapy, the parents were charged with child neglect.
A judge says Daniel Hauser does not have the mental capacity to refuse modern medicine.
The mother and boy failed to show up in court Tuesday.
A doctor testified that the boy's cancer was getting worse and if he goes untreated, he is in grave danger.
The boy's father said the last time he saw his wife and son was on Monday and doesn't know where they are.
It's reported that once Colleen Hauser is found, she will be arrested and Daniel will be put in a foster home.

WEB WEDNESDAY:
WKRG wants to know what you think.
Do you think a judge or the government should have a right to intervene in medical decisions?
Also, should parents have a right to refuse medical treatment for their children?
You can leave your thoughts and comments right here on wkrg.com or send us an email to mornings@wkrg.com.

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southernbelle6913 Says:

Wed, May 27, 2009 at 12:58 pm

Well according to today’s newspaper, the parents have come to their senses & agreed to have the boy treated!

lindaforestcity Says:

Wed, May 27, 2009 at 12:48 pm

People should not be so quick to pass judgment on a faith you don’t understand.I believe God can heal without any medicine.The Bible said by his stripes we are healed.

pacerpadre Says:

Wed, May 20, 2009 at 4:08 pm

“Parent/Legal Guardian” should have control of his rights in this situation.

KxVicious Says:

Wed, May 20, 2009 at 1:16 pm

“Daniel Hauser has refused treatment for Hodgkins lymphoma and his parents have supported his decision.”

It is his decision!

I mean, at least once a month someone is on here screaming about how unborn babies should have rights….Why shouldn’t a thirteen 13 year old boy have rights?

Think about it, if this 13 year old had MURDERED SOMEONE, he would be TRIED AS AN ADULT…

So why can he not make OTHER ADULT CHOICES???

cicicamy Says:

Wed, May 20, 2009 at 12:45 pm

Maybe because with out it he will die anyways? Hodgkins is the most curable cancer period with a 90-95% success. Without it this kid will die. I agree with pacerpadre, if it was only a 10-20% success rate then this might would be a different story.
Even then you want to give your kids every chance to I dunno….. maybe live longer??

KxVicious Says:

Wed, May 20, 2009 at 12:29 pm

If people think an unborn baby has rights, then why doesn’t a 13 year old?

Why should we allow the government to FORCE someone to take POISON if they do not want to?

While chemotherepy does help some cancer patients, it is still RADIATION POISONING, and hazardous to your health.

pacerpadre Says:

Wed, May 20, 2009 at 7:46 am

It’s important to consider the type of treatment here: chemotherapy has a very good chance to work. Things would be different if the treatment was only 10-20% guaranteed effective.I think the government MUST intervene here. Sure, they deserve their privacy and we must come to understand their beliefs, but human life is more precious than any unproven rituals.

bobcat Says:

Wed, May 20, 2009 at 6:03 am

I understand how this can be such a controversial issue and I know that there are some people that have strong religious beliefs to even refuse a blood transfusion even if it was a life or death situation during surgery. I honestly can say that if God said to let my child die vs. giving him a simple shot, I just might have to tell God to forgive me but I will make it up to him later after my child gets well. I’ve heard of this mostly in cults. I’m just saying…...

momsview Says:

Wed, May 20, 2009 at 6:01 am

I do not believe it’s the right of the government to intervene in such a personal decision, although I do feel medical treatment is in the child’s best interest. The situation could be handled in a different manner. Allowing the family to seek a second and third opinion is of their right. Education for the child and the parents, on the child’s current medical condition, should also be given. There are other options for treatment out there, as well as other doctors and hospitals. Perhaps counseling for the child and the parents, with their peers, meaning other families and children dealing with the same issue(s)? The way it is being handled is the issue. It’s wrong.

suzanne45 Says:

Wed, May 20, 2009 at 4:15 am

These people are ignorant. Religious beliefs or not, a 13 yr old isn’t mature enough to make decisions about things like this. He has a cancer with a 90% cure rate and WILL die if he doesn’t get treatment. How intelligent are these people anyway? Who ever heard of taking herbs and vitamins for the treatment of cancer?? This just breaks my heart. If this were my child, I would be going at great lengths to make sure he was given everything available to him to save his life. If he dies, they should charge these people with murder.