The story of Cassandra C, 17, dominated national headlines after she refused treatment for a curable cancer. The Connecticut Supreme Court agreed with a lower court decision that the Department of Children and Families can retain temporary custody of the girl, and force her to undergo chemotherapy. We hear from Cassandra's attorney about next steps for her.
We also talk with medical experts about informed consent. Should Cassandra and other minor patients like her be forced to undergo treatment?
GUESTS:
- Joshua Michtom - Appellate attorney for Cassandra C
- Dr. Mark Mercurio - Professor of Pediatrics at Yale School of Medicine, Director of Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital Pediatric Ethics Program and Director of BioMedical Ethics at Yale School of Medicine
- Jody Madeira - Professor of Law at the Indiana University Maurer School of Law
Chion Wolf contributed to this show.