Colin Newmark Case Summary

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Colin Newmark was diagnosed with cancer. The cancer was life threatening. His parents were Christian Scientists and refused to consent for chemotherapy for Colin. Their refusal was protected under State Law as it exempted parents from the neglect and abuse statutes if the refusal was supported by medical reasons. The plaintiff, Child Protective Services petitioned to continue treatment for Colin. Issue: Should constitutionally protected individual interest be weighed against State’s interest of preserving human life? Holding: Yes, constitutionally protected individual interest should be weighed against State’s interest of preserving human life. Reasoning: The State’s interest of preserving life can supersede parent’s decision for a child only