We believe that patients and, in the case of a minor, their parents are the final authority in determining their medical treatment. In the event of competing diagnoses, it is the right of the patient/legal parents to determining which course of treatment to follow. Justina Pelletier has been denied treatment for her Mitrochondrial Disorder since February of 2013. During this time her health has deteriorated significantly, all the while in the custody of the State of Massachusetts - despite the fact that she is a resident of Connecticut.
For background information on this case, please see: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/advocates-fight-teen-justin-pelletier-held-... and http://foxct.com/2014/02/04/justina-pelletier-is-still-in-state-custody/