3 ms·

As a non American, I wonder if she refused treatment because of the cost? The article didn't mention the options they gave her.

• insanitybit 3y ago
  She's mentally ill.
  • 1MachineElf 3y ago
    I'd say this is the most likely reason. Mental illness, especially dementia, is a widespread problem that US society cannot address due to so much emphasis on individual liberty. Our current and previous presidents are fine examples of how far someone can go when the balance of power is tilted towards enablers. I wouldn't want to advocate for restricting someone's rights, but the widespread negative impacts of someone's personal choices are why our legislation is increasingly following utilitarianism philosophy. This cultural difference is why groups like the WHO and the UN are being relied upon to side-step the free-for-all/free-fall that is the USA.
    • LargeWu 3y ago
      On top of that, there is, perhaps not surprisingly, not a good track record of mentally incompetent people being treated well once forcibly institutionalized. Physical, emotional, and sexual abuse by other patients and staff, neglect, deplorable conditions, etc. I think there is definitely a need for a solution for those who are truly unable to survive in civil society, but the state has not historically been good at implementing that.
• jdminhbg 3y ago
  No, that is not how it works here.
  • nerdchum 3y ago
    It's not?
  • burnished 3y ago
    I and others that I know have refused treatment due to the cost. That is absolutely how it works here. Doesnt seem like the relevant factor for this person in particular.
  • jrflowers 3y ago
    That is absolutely how it works here.