Elizabeth Struhs inquest hears mother trusted God to heal her
A coroner heard that Elizabeth Struhs's mother trusted God would heal her. This was weeks before Elizabeth died of untreated diabetes.
Elizabeth Struhs died in January 2022. Elizabeth's father Jason Struhs had stopped giving her insulin for type 1 diabetes.
An inquest is underway in Brisbane. The inquest will examine how authorities failed to protect her.
A Corrections officer met Elizabeth's mother Kerrie in December 2021. This was three weeks before Elizabeth died.
Kerrie said she would trust God to heal Elizabeth. She said this despite Elizabeth needing insulin.
The officer did not report concerns to child safety services. Kerrie told the officer she would not stop Jason from giving Elizabeth her insulin.
After Jason converted to his wife's religious sect, he stopped giving Elizabeth her medicine.
- Eight years old
- Elizabeth's age at death
- January 2022
- Date of death
- December 16, 2021
- Meeting with officer
- Toowoomba home
- Location of death
Why it mattersThe case shows gaps in how Australian authorities respond. This happens when parents' religious beliefs conflict with children's medical care.
AustraliaThe case raises questions for Australian child safety authorities about protecting children when families' religious beliefs conflict with essential medical treatment.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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