On Wednesday, a judge found fourteen members of the religious group “The Saints” guilty of manslaughter in the death of eight-year-old Elizabeth Struhs, who died from diabetic ketoacidosis after her family withheld life-sustaining medical care, opting instead for prayer. This incident highlights alarming trends in anti-medical and anti-science narratives, where individuals reject essential medical treatments under the influence of religious beliefs or misinformation. The author, a doctor and mother, shares personal experiences of patients refusing treatments such as HIV medication and mental health care due to misguided beliefs.
The rise of misinformation and faith healing threatens public health, as seen during the Covid pandemic and with outbreaks of preventable diseases linked to vaccine refusal. The author emphasizes the need for better healthcare communication, inclusivity, and addressing the fears of patients while combating overwhelming medical misinformation propagated by various sources, including social media and some alternative medicine practitioners.
The loss of Elizabeth, who could have managed her condition with proper medical care, serves as a tragic reminder of the consequences of science denial. The author expresses anger and sorrow not only for the child and her family but also for the broader failure of the healthcare community to protect vulnerable individuals from such beliefs.
