Court Orders Chemotherapy For Sick Child, Warrant For Mom

A Minnesota judge issued a warrant yesterday for the mother of Daniel Hauser, a 13-year-old boy with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Daniel has been refusing treatment for his condition, choosing instead to rely on alternative medicines.

His cancer is considered highly curable with chemotherapy and radiation, but Daniel quit after only one treatment. Daniel’s doctor, James Joyce, says that at his last checkup, his tumor had grown to the size it was months ago when he was first diagnosed. “He had basically gotten back all the trouble he had in January,” Joyce said.

The Hauser family decided, with Daniel’s consent, to ignore the doctor’s advice and continue with an alternative treatment plan. Daniel’s mother says she has chosen to treat her son with holistic medicine based upon Native American healing practices. USA Today reports that Colleen Hauser opted to treat her son’s cancer with herbal supplements, vitamins, ionized water and other natural alternatives. Daniel’s family is Roman Catholic, and has cited their religious beliefs as the reason they chose not to continue with the doctor’s approved treatment plan.

Last week, Judge John R. Rodenberg ruled that it was in Daniel’s best interest to continue chemotherapy. He wrote that he would not order treatment if the prognosis was poor, but since Daniel has a good chance of surviving with proper medical care, he believes chemotherapy to be necessary. Current state statutes say alternative health care methods aren’t enough, and that parents are required by law to provide any necessary medical care for their children.

On Tuesday, Colleen Hauser failed to show up for a court appearance, CNN reports. Rodenberg issued an order to “apprehend and detain” Colleen Hauser. He also ordered that Daniel be placed in protective custody so he can receive medical treatment. Daniel and his mother remain missing.

Mother, Son Missing In Forced Chemotherapy Case [CNN]
Boy’s Mother Faces Arrest Over Chemo Refusal [USATODAY]
Warrant For Mom Of Boy Refusing Chemo [CBS News]