A 17-year-old is being mandated to undergo chemotherapy treatments.
The Connecticut Supreme Court ruled Thursday that “Cassandra C.” from Windsor Locks, Connecticut cannot refuse chemotherapy treatment for her treatable cancer. The decision was unanimous.
Cassandra, whose last name was not released, sought alternative therapies to treat Hodgkin's lymphoma with support of her family, CBS News reports.
“She does not want the toxins. She does not want people telling her what to do with her body,” said Jackie Fortin, Cassandra’s mother, to CBS.
Cassandra and her family argued that she should be considered a mature minor and be allowed to make her own medical choices.
Cassandra was previously taken into state custody and has been receiving treatment.
With chemotherapy or radiation, the five-year survival rate for early stage Hodgkin’s lymphoma is 90 percent. In the latest stages, it’s 65 percent. Cassandra’s chances were about 80 to 85 percent, doctors testified.
Despite the ruling, Fortin said she would continue to find alternative treatments for her daughter, the Hartford Courant reports.
Gavin Stern is a national digital producer for the Scripps National Desk.
