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Coroner moved to tears by death of a child denied insulin on religious grounds
ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos • • world
Key Points:
- Elizabeth Struhs, an 8-year-old Australian girl with type-1 diabetes, died in 2022 from ketoacidosis after her father withheld insulin on religious grounds.
- Fourteen members of a religious group called the "Saints," including Elizabeth’s parents and brother, were convicted of manslaughter for denying her medical treatment and praying as she died.
- Elizabeth’s older sister, Jayde Struhs, emotionally testified about the restrictions Elizabeth faced growing up in the group, highlighting the normal experiences Elizabeth was denied.
- Coroner Ainslie Kirkegaard praised Jayde’s testimony and plans to make recommendations to prevent similar deaths, though the report’s release date is pending.
- Elizabeth’s mother, Kerrie Struhs, was previously imprisoned for child neglect related to Elizabeth’s undiagnosed diabetes and continues to believe in faith healing over medical treatment.
