index

The Texas Center for Family Rights website is to be used for educational purposes only.
It should not be interpreted as specific legal advice.
At times TCFR is able to make recommendations regarding attorneys in Texas who are able and willing to advocate on behalf of parental rights. TCFR recommends that you consult one of them or another attorney as you plan your legal course of action.

Texas Center for Family Rights is a non-profit corporation offerin chaitable and educational services. TCFR has applied for 501(c)(3) status with the Internal Revenue Service.

E-mail sent to TCFR supporters June 21, 2005

U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT ATTACKS CPS/DOCTOR MENTALITY
IN WERNECKE CASE

        The current issue of U.S. News and World Report (June 27, 2005) carries a scathing indictment of "I am God cancer doctors such as those at Driscoll Children�s Hospital in Corpus Christ who used the muscle of CPS to enforce their opinions on Katie Wernecke. The Tyranny of Experts is a must read to understand the battle the Werneckes have faced and that which may confront any family faced with these issues.

        This opinion should not be treated lightly by the medical community or Texas Children�s Protective Services. The author, Dr. Bernadine Healy, is a senior writer for U.S.News & World Report and writes the On Health column for the magazine. She is a Harvard- and Hopkins-trained physician, and is a past Director of the National Institutes of Health, where she started the Women's Health Initiative. She is currently a member of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology and is a leader in patient care research and education.

        Her analysis of the Corpus Christ fiasco?

        "When entering the complex world of cancer treatment, beware of "I am God" doctors who, however well meaning, are saying do it my way or you die. Stop right there, and find someone else to care for you. That might have prevented the hell that has broken out in Corpus Christi, Texas, because the now 13-year-old cancer-stricken Katie Wernecke and her parents refused doctor's orders."

        In fairness to the doctors and CPS she acknowledges their good intentions. Nonetheless she boldly confronts their primary offensive weapon that they were offering Katie - "standard medical care. Dr. Healy unequivocally asserts that "most pediatric oncologists would beg to differ with the treatment recommended by the doctors, coerced by CPS and endorsed by the court.

        I encourage you to read the entire article and make it a part of your family arsenal should you be confronted by the same medical mindset in the future. Then pass it on as you see fit to help others understand the importance of informed decisions that may go beyond the four corners of the mind of a particular doctor or even doctors.

        TCFR has been approached by national and Texas media to comment on the battle over treatment of Katie. While Katie remains currently in CPS custody, this article demonstrates the need for CPS , the doctors treating her and Judge Lewis to take another look at the issue. If you know of contacts in the media who would like to hear from the parental perspective, feel free to have them contact us at 281-344-8878.

Respectfully,
Peter Johnston , J. D.
President
Texas Center for Family Rights