I cannot help but be struck by the case of Daniel Hauser. It is, dare I say, a heart-wrenching case.

But I'm struck by the arguments used by the courts to justify the move to force treatment.

He's not old enough to decide. This is a life and death decision beyond the years of a 13-year-old. Either his parents or the government must decide what is in his best interests, because he lacks the maturity to know.

However, if this were a pregnant 13-year-old girl (or even younger) named Danielle Hauser, and the medical decision on a matter of life and death were about abortion, we'd here about matters of "right to choose", "bodily integrity" and "not imposing anyone's morality" on her.

Why the difference?

At least in this case, the kid is deciding merely to risk his own life, not take the life of another human being.

Posted by: Greg at 12:05 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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