Should teens be allowed to refuse cancer treatment?

AOL News - Teen Fights for Right to Pick Cancer Treatment

This story is specifically about a boy named, Abraham Cherrix, 16, who has Hodgkin's disease in his neck and chest. He has, with research, decided against going a second round of chemotherapy, that Doctors highly recommend, because he feels it nearly killed him the first time. His parents are backing him up on his decision. However, The Accomack County social services agency disagrees with the parents and are calling it medical neglect and now they have joint custody of Abraham. They are asking that the court rule the boy to do the chemotherapy.

"In deciding whether a child or parents can refuse medical treatment, courts consider the child's age and maturity and the family's reasoning in declining treatment, but also whether the treatment has been shown to work and whether the child has already had the treatment, " says Arthur Caplan, director of the Center for Bioethics at the University of Pennsylvania.

Everyone wants Abraham to get better. Especially Abraham. But I believe some people know their limitations and what's right for them. I know he's 16, and maybe isn't mature enough to handle this kind of situation, but doesn't this kind of situation force you to mature, and fast? He has done extensive research on his options and is currently undergoing an herbal remedy and an organic diet that is being watched over by the Mexican clinic. Although neither have high success rates, or success rates at all, it's what makes Abraham happy. I believe they should respect his wishes and let him live and die how he sees fit. What are your feelings on teenagers refusing medical treatment?

Here is his website: My Journey- Home

-Leslie Haskew