Judge Upholds the Constitution, Boy Dies

The other day, it was reported that a 14-year-old boy had died after refusing to receive blood transfusions for his leukemia. This spark quite a discussion all over the Internet about the decisions both the government and the boy made. Luckily, in the end, freedom won. Sadly, a boy died.

Dennis Lindberg was a Jehovah Witness and did not want a transfusion that would make his blood "unclean". The state tried to have the court force Mr. Lindberg to have the treatments, but Judge John Meyers would none of it. He did not see that the boy was trying to commit suicide and that he was just practicing his religious beliefs.

As I read through discussions on the Internet, I was somewhat surprised that so many people didn't think a 14-year-old should be able to make such a decision. Unfortunately, there's a little thing called the First Amendment that allows the freedom of religion. Usually, it has been upheld that most things can be done in accordance with religious practices as long as they do not harm others. The last thing I want is the government getting into the affairs of my family, unless it somehow we are somehow affecting those outside of our family.

That's not to say I agree with the kid's decision. It's just that, well... it really is none of my business. Dennis' Aunt was his legal guardian and approved of his decision. If she had not, this would be an entirely different case in which legal precedent is sketchy, but most likely he would have received the treatments. Furthermore, the parents did not agree with his decision, but decided not to appeal the case, which I think says something in itself. In America, we should have every right to decide what goes in our bodies, and that includes things that may be good for us.

I feel sorry for the family and Mr. Lindberg, but thankfully they were able to decide how to live and/or end their lives without governmental interference. Just imagine if we had another Terri Schiavo event. The government has no place in determining the morality of personal decisions that harm no one else and I hope it stays that way