Elizabeth Simpson at the Virginian-Pilot has written a poignant follow-up story about Abraham Cherrix, the teenager with cancer who fought to pursue his own path of treatment last year.
I have commented previously about Abraham’s battles with cancer and the court system, but recent events called for an update. Please read the Simpson article for full details; it sounds like Abraham is still fighting, only now it’s his cancer on which he’s solely focused. Sadly, the fight has taken its toll on his family, emotionally.
On a positive note, Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine last week signed “Abraham’s Law,” allowing teenagers 14 or older and their parents to refuse medical treatments for cancer and other diseases. Teens and their families now have more latitude to integrate complementary and alternative therapies into their medical treatment.
“This measure strikes the appropriate balance between the rights of parents and a mature child to make informed medical decisions,” Kaine said. “This is significant for health freedom in Virginia.” (Washington Post, March 22, 2007).
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