Mocobizscene – Christina Dixon, left, reacts after an Oregon judge sentences her to 90 days in jail for defying a court order to have her then-13-year-old daughter undergo cancer surgery to remove tumors.
An Oregon judge sentenced a mother to 90 days in jail on Tuesday for refusing to let her then-13-year-old daughter have cancer surgery, sparking a discussion about parental rights.
In 2019, Christina Dixon challenged a court order that required her daughter, Kylee Dixon, to undergo surgery for the removal of cancerous tumors in her liver. Instead, she chose to flee their home in the Portland area and took the girl to Las Vegas. Christina believed that natural medicines, specifically CBD oils, would be more effective than the recommended medical intervention. However, law enforcement intervened and apprehended Christina, leading to Kylee being placed in foster care. Eventually, in 2020, Kylee underwent a successful surgery to eliminate the tumors, and she is now 17 years old and cancer-free.
“After the third round of chemotherapy, she said ‘no,’” said Deputy DA Brian Powell in a video of the sentencing hearing posted by Fox affiliate KPTV . “She said ‘no,’ despite 23 physicians at St. Jude agreeing on diagnosis, she said ‘no.’”
In November, a Clackamas County jury convicted Christina Dixon of three felonies: first-degree custodial interference and two counts of first-degree criminal mistreatment. Prosecutors requested the judge impose a 19-month sentence. Kylee was diagnosed with cancer in 2018 and has already undergone three rounds of chemotherapy.
Deputy DA Brian Powell recounted a powerful moment during the sentencing hearing. In a video posted by Fox affiliate KPTV, he shared, “After the third round of chemotherapy, she said ‘no.’ She said ‘no,’ despite 23 physicians at St. Jude agreeing on the diagnosis.” This brave decision showcased her unwavering determination.
Powell stated that Kylee owes her life to the surgery that her mother had initially refused to allow.
The case sparked a heated discussion regarding a parent’s autonomy in deviating from conventional medical recommendations. Critics argued that the state was essentially “medically kidnapping” Kylee. One politician, Republican state Sen. Kim Thatcher, voiced support for Dixon, emphasizing that parents should have the freedom to make their own choices.
In a statement, it was emphasized that the people of Oregon have shown their support for Kylee and her mother, as they strongly believe in the importance of medical freedom and the right to seek a second opinion. The collective sentiment is that no child should be compelled to undergo treatments and surgeries that have proven to be unsuccessful and life-threatening. The involvement of the government, in collaboration with Oregon Health & Science University Hospital, is seen as a risky gamble with Kylee’s life, prompting a strong moral outrage.
Dixon initiated a Facebook group named “Kylee’s Fight” that boasts approximately 24,000 followers. Kylee, who did not attend the sentencing, has been residing with her mother since the surgery and has actively participated in videos expressing her support for her mother.
During her sentencing hearing, Dixon expressed her unwavering commitment to her daughter’s well-being. She emphasized that her actions were driven by a genuine desire to prioritize her child’s best interests.
According to the Oregonian, her attorney, Greg Oliveros, argued in favor of probation, citing her love for her child as a factor that clouded her judgment.
According to Judge Michael Wetzel, the case is “very tragic.” He decided to impose a lighter sentence, taking into consideration the fact that Kylee would not want her mother to be in prison.
According to him, it is important to acknowledge that CBD did not have any effect on Kylee’s tumor. The treatment she received, including surgery, was the only thing that helped her become cancer-free. He expressed his love and well wishes for Kylee, emphasizing the importance of the treatment she received.
