‘Lack of curiosity’ about family’s religious beliefs was ‘missed opportunity’ to save eight-year-old, inquest hears

A coroner probing the death of an eight-year-old girl from untreated diabetes is weighing whether to adopt key findings from Victoria’s cults inquiry, citing concerns that her family’s religious beliefs were overlooked as a possible factor. The child, who died from diabetic ketoacidosis after insulin treatment was stopped, had been under investigation for suspected medical neglect tied to her father’s refusal to administer insulin. Authorities have flagged a potential failure to explore the family’s religious convictions early in the case, describing it as a critical oversight. The inquiry raises broader questions about how child welfare and medical systems respond when parental decisions clash with medical necessity.

Coroner says she’s considering adopting recommendations from Victoria’s cults inquiry as investigation into Elizabeth Struh’s death continuesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe coroner investigating the death of Elizabeth Struhs is considering adopting recommendations from Victoria’s cults inquiry, warning a “lack of curiosity” about her family’s religious beliefs was a “missed opportunity”.Elizabeth, an eight-year-old, died on 7 January 2022 of diabetic ketoacidosis after her father ceased providing insulin to treat type 1 diabetes. Continue reading...