Case of Colin Newmark: Refusal of Chemotherapy for Lymphoma[1]
At three years old, Colin Newmark developed an aggressive
and lethal form of pediatric cancer known as Burkitt’s Lymphoma. Colin’s doctors recommended that Colin be
treated with a heavy regimen of chemotherapy, stating that chemotherapy offered
Colin a 40% chance at surviving at least eight more years. Without chemotherapy, he would almost
certainly die within one year. His
parents decided that instead of allowing an uncertain and painful medical
treatment, they would take Colin home and seek prayer-healing through their
church.
Should the state
intervene and compel chemotherapeutic treatment for Colin?
[1]
Author: E.K. Salter, PhD (2013), based on court case Newmark v. Williams/DCPS, 588 A.2d1108 (1991).
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