Medication is a good thing. Isn't it?

I wrote about my drugs the other day.
How I've been on drugs for a year to help derail my crazy train.

And I'm glad I made that choice. I'm glad I have a doctor who's a lot like me. Near my age, has been through a lot of the same things I have, and always takes excellent care of me.

I was not in a good state of mind a year ago. Someone who hasn't been there wouldn't understand, but it was utterly horrendous. I felt so bad.

And I'm happy that medications exist to help me and people like me.

I will read about side effects, and try to make informed decisions, but after weighing the benefits vs the risks, most times I opt for medicine.
In the age in which we live, there is a medication for almost everything. And some truth to the 'we are over-medicated' refrain I've heard sung for years.

As amazing as it seems to me, though, there are people who not only refuse medication for themselves, but for their children.
And not just medications.
Treatment.
For life threatening conditions.

What the hell? Linked in today's title is an article that seems to explain this cult a bit. It explains it, but as far as I'm concerned, is not an excuse.

Remember the faith healing case currently being tried here in Oregon?

The developments in the case Wednesday included testimony from a pediatric opthamologist. The prosecution is trying to show that the child would have been blind had the authorities not intervened.

And the defense? They're emphasizing ('hammering' was the word used on the news) on the fact that the drug given to this little girl was not approved for pediatric use by the FDA.

SO FUCKING WHAT??????
I repeat.
SO FUCKING WHAT?????

The child had a hemangioma the size of a fucking baseball. Half of it was inside her head. It was pushing her left eye out and down. She would be BLIND by now had the state not intervened, obtained medical treatment for the baby and professionals NOT given her medication and  treatment. As it is, she is permanently damaged and may never have depth perception.

I understand that everyone is entitled to a defense. And that attorneys in a case like this one have to come up with SOMETHING to defend their clients.

Thing is, why do I care so much?

I am outraged. I am sad, too.

How could someone look at that THING growing on their baby's face and just... pray?  Nothing at all wrong with praying. But I think maybe adding a little medical treatment with the prayer might have been a better decision.