Woman To Be Arrested and Treated Against Her Will

Woman To Be Arrested and Treated Against Her Will

(RepublicanReport.org) – A woman living in Washington has been infected with tuberculosis (TB) for more than a year. However, despite several court orders to seek medical treatment, the woman has refused to get proper care. Authorities have even ordered to have the woman arrested if she doesn’t comply.

Given that TB is an extremely hazardous airborne illness that spreads through extended exposure to others, authorities are concerned that her unwillingness to isolate puts the community at risk. A court decided earlier this month that public health officials may compel the infectious patient, who remains anonymous, to obtain treatment and isolation.

At one point, the woman did join a treatment program, but she dropped out too soon. As a result, a warrant for her arrest has been issued to compel her to go to a jail that is specifically built to house, isolate, test, and treat her.

According to DailyMail.com, RCW 70.28.031, a Washington law issued in 1996, officials are required and have the right to get a court order if a person poses a health concern to the community at large. It grants authorities the power to order the quarantine or medication of infected individuals. The National Conference of State Legislatures reports that 38 US states have laws of this nature.

It raises a question, though. Is this an example of government overreach, or is this the proper action to take? TB is especially dangerous because it can spread through the body and become fatal. It’s also highly contagious.

A person can transmit the sickness through the air by coughing, sneezing, or merely speaking. With TB’s potential to be deadly, quickly spread, and its three to nine-month treatment period, some — including local authorities — feel that arresting the woman may be the best decision to not only help her, but to keep the public safe as well.

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