possible legal scenario

[Guest guest]

Here is a scenario that illustrates what I think the doctor meant in her

comment. She suggested a statement signed, but it seemed to me she did not feel

even that would really protect, it might just help a bit to have it, so as to

show any decision by the patient to abandon medical care was their own and not

done under coercion.

patient Jo has 6 months if untreated, 2 years with chemo, etc.

Jo tells doctor OK let's do it, is scheduled for a couple of weeks to start

chemo, etc.

Meanwhile Jo searches the web...finds what looks good in the alt-med area.

Practitioner Pat has testimonials, possibly some lab science, etc. Pat has in

fact already cured 3 out of 3 of her last cancer cases using the Alt-x remedy.

No chemo was used, yet there were full remissions.

Jo tries it, feels great, skips chemo. 6 months later, Jo dies. Doctor is

curious why the change of plans, family says Jo talked with or read something

about a new alt-x cure. Doctor says he could have gotten Jo at least a year or

two of life had Jo done the chemo, etc.

Family finds lawyer, takes case to court against Pat. Pat's evidence of

effectiveness is not strong enough to pass muster with anyone officially, though

it appears to be promising, it isn't proven.

Case proceeds on basis of Jo had competent care, then changed mind after contact

with Pat. Pat presents statement by Jo that she understood this was not medical

advice, etc. It appears this was pre-requisite to receiving alt-x. Of course

duress is present here, so the statement is out. It is clear Jo had intended to

do chemo before, and not after contact with Pat. For whatever reason Jo's mind

changed. Now it is word against word. A grieving family and a medical doctor

on one side, versus an alt-med practitioner.

bG