An inquest has revealed that doctors sought a mental health assessment for a mother whose religious beliefs led her to deny insulin treatment to her diabetic daughter, fearing her faith would heal the child instead. Despite medical concerns, child safety authorities ultimately allowed the girl to return home with her mother in 2019, overriding the objections of treating physicians. The case highlights tensions between parental autonomy, religious convictions, and medical intervention in child welfare decisions. The full hearing details the conflicting perspectives that shaped the outcome.
Inquest into death of Queensland girl denied insulin by her religious parents is told Kerrie Struhs believed God would heal her daughterGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastDoctors were so concerned about the religious beliefs of Elizabeth Struhs’ mother they recommended she be subjected to an involuntary mental health assessment because she delusionally believed her daughter would be healed from type 1 diabetes, a coroner has heard.Child safety officers, nonetheless, decided to return the eight-year-old home to live with her mother, Kerrie Struhs, over the objections of Brisbane-based doctors, in 2019. Continue reading...
