http://www.sfgate.com/crime/article/Killing-reveals-mental-health-care-fight-3781958.php
Killing reveals mental health care fight
By tovarichpeter Follow Sun, 12 Aug 2012, 10:43am 187 views 1 comment
In South San Francisco CA 94080
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The issue is that it is considered to be assault to force treatment on a person who refuses it.
Where do we draw the line? If we choose to force a person to be treated against his will (for mental health issues), why don't we force a person to receive chemo & radiation for what is considered to be treatable conditions?
Why don't we force people to be transported to the hospital?
Why don't we force people to take newer medications that the MD considers to be better (but might not be), even if they can't afford the treatment?
There's always the dilemma of the person who commits a crime and is mentally ill - if he doesn't want to take his meds he isn't competent to stand trial. Most of the time the court doesn't force him to take the medications - so he is never able to stand trial, face his accusers, etc. (think: Elizabeth Smart kidnappers)