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As most of the “forum family” knows, I love reading articles on Psychology Today and other magazines/newspapers about Mental Health.
I just finished reading a great article on the girl who refused chemotherapy treatment and was put into DCF custody because she was not being taken to the hospital for therapy.
You can check out the article: When Adolescents Claim the Right to Refuse Treatment
or here: https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/talking-about-trauma/201604/when-adolescents-claim-the-right-refuse-treatment
It’s very controversial because young people should (in my opinion) be able to make choices for their own body and not be forced to do something that they don’t want to, but some may disagree because a “young person isn’t mature enough to know how to take care of themselves.”
So my question to all of you:
Do you think someone who is diagnosed with cancer (or any disease) should be able to make decisions for their treatment at any age…or is there an age minimum in your opinion on when they are deemed “fit” to make these choices for themselves?
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A similar story was in the news when I moved here to Connecticut, its probably the same one.
But I empathize with anyone who has to make this decision. This can be really scary. My aunt went through this procedure but she still died.
It must be dreadful for those who have to consider this and especially at a young age. Like any other treatment this has its side-effects and it can be harmful to the body but it has helped many people to stay alive.
And alot of people who refuse to do it died.
This is almost like a choice to have euthanasia done. You hardly have a choice when it comes to this, I’m not sure what the law is on this issue but I think as consenting adults you should have the choice but when it comes to individuals under 18, its a tough decision.
No doubt, there are many young adults who are well-informed and can make their own choices but the law is really there to protect them.
So my answer is, ‘I’m not exactly sure,’ but its really a tough one.
Thanks for sharing that article! I’ve read so many different things about this issue and as complicated as it may seem, I think that individuals should have the right to make a choice that ultimately affects their life and how they live it. I know it can be a bit selfish to their loved ones, but sometimes refusing treatment may be in the best interest of the person going through whatever it is for whatever reason they find fit.
I do think young people under the age of 21 should have a little less control in the choice that they make.. simply because I feel at that time in life.. things can seem a bit more intense and overwhelming. Depending on life circumstances (family, health, mental health, stability, history in general..), some young folks just aren’t ready to truly make such a huge decision like that. The support is really needed either way but its def a tough situation.
I guess Im saying yes for anyone 21 and over and no (depending on the young person) to anyone under 21. Then there’s a HELL no for anyone 15 and below!
everyone has the right of choice. you may not agree. that’s okay, but everyone has the right to end his suffering.
Everyone def has the right of choice but when you are under aged, your parents make a lot of those decisions for you…. and with good reason I’m sure. I do agree with Vee on this one but it’s so controversial and everyone certainly has their own opinions.