Judge Rules Teen Doesn't Have To Undergo Chemo (For Now)

The United States has many agencies that protect the health and well being of Americans, such as the Food Safety and Inspection Service which is responsible for ensuring that the nation's food supply is safe to eat.

Thanks to the government I have confidence in the food I consume, the prescription drugs I ingest and the products I use.

It's Uncle Sam's responsibility to make sure the food I eat won't make me ill, but Big Brother can't force me to eat spinach and other healthy foods.

Starchild Abraham Cherrix, who is battling Hodgkin's disease, a cancer of the lymphatic system, refused a second round of chemotherapy when he learned early this year that the cancer had returned.

Starchild decided instead go on a sugar-free, organic diet and take herbal supplements under the supervision of a clinic in Mexico.

In my opinion Starchild is foolish for choosing an alternative form of treatment -- but that's his right. Perhaps, you can't expect someone named "Starchild" to exercise a lot of common sense.

A few days ago a judge ordered the 16-year old cancer patient to report to a hospital to undergo chemotherapy.

On Tuesday a higher court ruled that Starchild does not have to report to a hospital as previously ordered and scheduled a trial to settle the dispute.

The government has no right to intervene in the medical treatment of an individual. The relationship between a patient and his health care provider (even an alternative one) is sacrosanct.

Starchild is an eloquent young man who did a lot of research before opting for an alternative type of treatment for his cancer. I think he's making a mistake, but this is America and the government should butt out.

Starchild and his family are going through an exceedingly trying time, the last thing they need is the government making things more difficult for them