http://whatstheharm.net/ This site documents cases where misinformation combined with a lack of critical thinking has gotten people hurt. Stories of 2,998 people killed, 222,419 injured and over $259,801,000 in economic damages. admin@whatstheharm.net Sun, 06 Jul 2008 13:13:22 -0400 Subscribe with My Yahoo!Subscribe with NewsGatorSubscribe with My AOLSubscribe with BloglinesSubscribe with NetvibesSubscribe with GoogleSubscribe with PageflakesSubscribe with Live.comAdd to Any Feed Reader whatstheharm.net.case.number.991 http://whatstheharm.net/religiousfundamentalism.html#bob_marley_musician whatstheharm.net religious fundamentalism alternative medicine Famous people In July 1977 he was diagnosed with malignant melanoma in his right big toe. His Rastafarian religious beliefs did not allow for amputation. He sought alternative therapies as the cancer spread to the rest of his body. He died in 1981. Sat, 17 May 2008 23:29:00 -0400 18.377447455269 -77.483723355943 whatstheharm.net.case.number.992 http://whatstheharm.net/gpsnavigation.html#23_high_school_softball_players_992 whatstheharm.net GPS navigation children A charter bus driver ferrying a high school softball team relied on a GPS system and did not notice the clearance signs. The 11 foot high bus plowed into a 9 foot high bridge. 23 people were briefly hospitalized and the bus was destroyed. Sun, 18 May 2008 16:50:00 -0400 47.6395137902807 -122.296926348062 whatstheharm.net.case.number.993 http://whatstheharm.net/faithhealing.html#ava_worthington whatstheharm.net faith healing children She got an infection, but her parents treated it with prayer instead of antibiotics. They were charged with manslaughter and criminal mistreatment. Sun, 18 May 2008 17:11:00 -0400 45.3257248586059 -122.581234598784 whatstheharm.net.case.number.994 http://whatstheharm.net/jehovahswitnesses.html#yelena_godlevskaya whatstheharm.net Jehovah's Witnesses children She was hit by a car and suffered a fractured pelvis. She refused a blood transfusion because of her Jehovah's Witness faith, so doctors could not operate. Eventually doctors forced her to take one, but she still died. Sun, 18 May 2008 17:44:00 -0400 56.946 24.114905 whatstheharm.net.case.number.995 http://whatstheharm.net/rituals.html#maya_devi_her_baby whatstheharm.net rituals children Because she is considered an "untouchable" in her country, she was refused treatment at the local hospital at a medical college. She gave birth outside, and the baby died within minutes. She died the next day. Sun, 18 May 2008 18:00:00 -0400 27.138439 80.86235 whatstheharm.net.case.number.996 http://whatstheharm.net/chiropractic.html#elizabeth_a_roth whatstheharm.net chiropractic energy medicine Chiropractor allegedly used a "Vega" energy machine to diagnose her but withheld information about her diagnosis. Another doctor diagnosed her with advanced breast cancer. A lawsuit resulted after her death. Sun, 18 May 2008 18:17:00 -0400 39.882325 -84.010034 whatstheharm.net.case.number.997 http://whatstheharm.net/herbalremedies.html#peter_schlendorf whatstheharm.net herbal remedies While on spring break with his friends, he took an herbal supplement called Ultimate Xphoria, which contained ephedra. Outrage over his death eventually led to bans on ephedra. His family sued the manufacturer and received $2.5 million. Sun, 18 May 2008 18:23:00 -0400 30.191645 -85.832489 whatstheharm.net.case.number.998 http://whatstheharm.net/herbalremedies.html#rosanna_porras whatstheharm.net herbal remedies children Rosanna dropped dead at soccer practice after taking an herbal product containing ephedra. Her parents received a $25,000 settlement. Years later, the substance was banned. Sun, 18 May 2008 18:27:00 -0400 34.39851 -118.913314 whatstheharm.net.case.number.999 http://whatstheharm.net/herbalremedies.html#rhea_mcallister whatstheharm.net herbal remedies She took a diet supplement containing herbal ingredients including ephedra. She suffered a stroke which has caused ongoing neurological problems. A court awarded her $7.4 Million, and ephedra was banned two years later. Sun, 18 May 2008 18:29:00 -0400 29.906143 -95.064533 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1000 http://whatstheharm.net/homeopathy.html#janeza_podgor%c5%a1ek whatstheharm.net homeopathy A physician/homeopath advised him to use homoepathic preventatives for malaria prior to a trip to Africa. After he returned with the disease she continued to treat him with homeopathy. He died. Her license was revoked and she got two years probation. Wed, 21 May 2008 15:53:00 -0400 46.195593 14.410922 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1001 http://whatstheharm.net/repressedmemories.html#mary_sommerfeld whatstheharm.net repressed memories dream interpretation hypnosis She sought treatment for trauma from abuse as a child. The therapist allegedly used guided imagery, dream interpretation, hypnosis and other tactics to induce false memories of ritual cult abuse & incest. She sued, the case was settled out of court. Wed, 21 May 2008 16:38:00 -0400 45.079165 -93.160484 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1002 http://whatstheharm.net/exorcisms.html#kousar_bashir_mohammed_bashir whatstheharm.net exorcisms She was depressed after failing a driving test. Her father hired two holy men to rid an "evil spirit" from her body. They beat her to death. 13 years later, her father set himself on fire in a depression of his own. Wed, 21 May 2008 17:16:00 -0400 53.48556 -2.231179 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1003 http://whatstheharm.net/reparativetherapy.html#anna_wakefield whatstheharm.net Reparative Therapy She came out as a lesbian to her mother, a follower of James Dobson. The next nine years were “pretty stormy” and ended with her suicide. Later her mother realized that reparative therapy does not work, and now campaigns for gay rights. Wed, 21 May 2008 17:20:00 -0400 42.039565 -88.283244 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1004 http://whatstheharm.net/reparativetherapy.html#judd_eccles_hardy whatstheharm.net Reparative Therapy children The family’s Mormon beliefs did not allow for homosexuality. Judd was enrolled in reparative therapy and stopped attending church with the family. After he attempted suicide, the family broke with their church and supported gay rights publicly. Wed, 21 May 2008 17:22:00 -0400 40.75952 -111.888229 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1005 http://whatstheharm.net/reparativetherapy.html#bobby_griffith whatstheharm.net Reparative Therapy After he came out to his family at 17, he was pressured by them and his church to change. He committed suicide. His mother regretted this and now campaigns for GLBT issues. The story is told in a book including Bobby’s diaries. Wed, 21 May 2008 17:24:00 -0400 37.90118 -122.061628 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1006 http://whatstheharm.net/psychics.html#port_philip_australia whatstheharm.net psychics astrology The "change management consultant" refers to herself as a white witch and claims powers of intuition gleaned from eastern religion, astrology and pranic healing. Hired by the local government, she created a "culture of fear." Lawsuits have resulted. Wed, 21 May 2008 17:32:00 -0400 -37.85873 144.983658 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1007 http://whatstheharm.net/curses.html#david_piscitelli whatstheharm.net curses astrology She claimed she was just a "dime store astrologer." He claimed she scammed him for over $200,000 by telling him he was cursed in various ways. The lawsuit was settled out of court. Wed, 21 May 2008 17:35:00 -0400 39.362705 -74.426454 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1008 http://whatstheharm.net/hypnosis.html#edward_honaker whatstheharm.net hypnosis He was convicted of a crime solely based on eyewitness testimony. Prosecutors withheld the fact that they used hypnosis to "enhance" that testimony. This is not allowed in court. A DNA test exonerated him years later and he received a full pardon. Thu, 22 May 2008 13:08:00 -0400 37.8989075967378 -79.1217174784468 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1009 http://whatstheharm.net/hypnosis.html#larry_mayes whatstheharm.net hypnosis He was wrongly convicted of rape via an eyewitness misidentification. It was not revealed at trial that the witness had been hypnotized for the identification. This is not allowed in court. He was exonerated by DNA evidence and awarded $9 Million. Thu, 22 May 2008 13:37:00 -0400 41.60508 -87.508934 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1010 http://whatstheharm.net/hypnosis.html#leo_waters whatstheharm.net hypnosis He was convicted of a crime based on eyewitness testimony, bolstered by hypnosis. A DNA test exonerated him, but only after he served 21 years in prison. He received a pardon and compensation from the state. Thu, 22 May 2008 13:43:00 -0400 34.74929 -77.421054 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1011 http://whatstheharm.net/religiousfundamentalism.html#3_newborn_boys_1011 whatstheharm.net religious fundamentalism A mohel in New York inadvertently infected several boys with Type 1 herpes by performing metzitzah b'peh, a circumcision technique used mainly in ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities. One of the boys died, another suffered brain damage. Thu, 22 May 2008 14:00:00 -0400 40.710041 -73.96076 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1012 http://whatstheharm.net/alternativemedicine.html#barry_sheene_motorcyclist whatstheharm.net alternative medicine Famous people He was a world-famous motorcycle racer and commentator. Diagnosed with cancer, he rejected chemotherapy. He treated himself with "natural therapy" consisting mainly of a low-protein diet, plus "microwave therapy." He died less than a year later. Thu, 22 May 2008 14:10:00 -0400 -28.04583 153.397751 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1013 http://whatstheharm.net/nigerianemails.html#danielle_miller whatstheharm.net Nigerian emails children Although she is well aware of online scams, when she received an email titled "Job Offer" it seemed legit. The job was to cash checks. Now she's out $3,600 and embarrassed she fell for it. Fri, 23 May 2008 17:16:00 -0400 38.074849 -78.498688 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1014 http://whatstheharm.net/nigerianemails.html#ann_mowle whatstheharm.net Nigerian emails She received an email about a Jamaican lottery jackpot. After sending a fee, the situation rapidly spiraled out of control. A year later her life savings were gone and she had become a recluse. She committed suicide. Fri, 23 May 2008 17:22:00 -0400 40.813724 -74.44356 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1015 http://whatstheharm.net/alternativemedicine.html#ed_gochenour whatstheharm.net alternative medicine A member of the Georgia State Senate, he treated his brain tumor using an alternative treatment from a doctor in Texas. That doctor was prosecuted by the FDA and Ed testified on his behalf, claiming he cured his cancer. 21 months later he was dead. Fri, 23 May 2008 17:42:00 -0400 32.839685 -83.627579 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1016 http://whatstheharm.net/repressedmemories.html#gary_ramona whatstheharm.net repressed memories His daughter sought counseling for bulimia. Her therapist (wrongly) believed most bulimia results from childhood abuse. After treatment with sodium amytal, she "recovered" memories of abuse by him. His life was ruined. He sued the therapist and won. Fri, 23 May 2008 17:53:00 -0400 38.298855 -122.285194 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1017 http://whatstheharm.net/terrorismfear.html#darren_nixon whatstheharm.net terrorism fear When a woman reported a man carrying a handgun, police reacted swiftly. The only problem? There was no handgun, just a black MP3 player. He received an apology but feels it is a "stain on his character". Fri, 23 May 2008 18:02:00 -0400 53.029368 -2.175069 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1018 http://whatstheharm.net/alternativemedicine.html#sandra_schmirler_athlete whatstheharm.net alternative medicine Famous people An Olympic gold medalist and three-time world champion in curling, she contracted esophageal cancer. Unfortunately she received treatment from a provider that uses remedies that are not scientifically proven. She died, leaving two children. Fri, 23 May 2008 18:52:00 -0400 50.448015 -104.595179 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1019 http://whatstheharm.net/alternativemedicine.html#tyrell_dueck whatstheharm.net alternative medicine herbal remedies children He got bone cancer in his leg, but rejected amputation and chemotherapy. Instead he sought alternative and herbal therapy in Mexico. The Saskatchewan government sued to force conventional treatment. The cancer spread and he died. Fri, 23 May 2008 19:12:00 -0400 52.296266 -106.670733 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1020 http://whatstheharm.net/herbalremedies.html#steve_bechler_athlete whatstheharm.net herbal remedies Famous people He was trying to lose some weight during Orioles spring training, using a supplement that contained the Chinese herbal remedy ephedra. He collapsed from multiple organ failure in the heat and died. The FDA banned ephedra a year later. Sun, 25 May 2008 00:22:00 -0400 26.194438 -80.161714 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1021 http://whatstheharm.net/appliedkinesiology.html#2_ontario_children_1021 whatstheharm.net applied kinesiology children They sought help with their allergies. The doctor used techniques including applied kinesiology to determine it was safe for them to eat peanuts. When they tried, both collapsed and one nearly died. The doctor was suspended and later lost his license Sun, 25 May 2008 11:13:00 -0400 43.772591 -79.407661 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1022 http://whatstheharm.net/chiropractic.html#donald_pereyra whatstheharm.net chiropractic alternative medicine After a tumor on his back was surgically removed, his doctors recommended radiation and chemo. His chiropractor disagreed and injected him with unproven substances. He died of liver failure (he had no liver cancer) and a lawsuit resulted. Sun, 25 May 2008 11:23:00 -0400 41.281836 -73.497353 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1023 http://whatstheharm.net/chiropractic.html#ak_woman whatstheharm.net chiropractic Over the ten months she saw the chiropractor, he assured her at least twice that she did not have cancer. He even missed it on an x-ray at first. Finally he referred her to a doctor but it was too late. She died and he was suspended for a year. Sun, 25 May 2008 11:57:00 -0400 32.2352563787066 -110.892825937975 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1024 http://whatstheharm.net/homeopathy.html#lisa_weatherington_339_others whatstheharm.net homeopathy The makers of Zicam, a "homeopathic" cold remedy, settled 340 lawsuits by consumers who claimed it damaged or destroyed their sense of smell. The company did not admit guilt but paid out $12 million. Tue, 03 Jun 2008 08:08:00 -0400 33.44826 -112.076414 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1025 http://whatstheharm.net/nigerianemails.html#1500_victims_1025 whatstheharm.net Nigerian emails They targeted British retirees with scams regarding international lottery prizes. Spanish police broke up the ring and arrested 55 people. Tue, 03 Jun 2008 08:17:00 -0400 36.71832 -4.420159 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1026 http://whatstheharm.net/vitaminmegadoses.html#anita_gergasko whatstheharm.net vitamin megadoses herbal remedies She refused chemotherapy for her breast cancer, instead choosing massive doses of vitamin C and herbs. The cancer spread. On her deathbed she made her husband promise that he would not allow any of her family or friends to make the same mistake. Tue, 03 Jun 2008 08:26:00 -0400 40.42597 -74.165849 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1027 http://whatstheharm.net/herbalremedies.html#6_new_york_men_1027 whatstheharm.net herbal remedies Several men have died (and one was injured) by consuming a Chinese herbal remedy alleged to be an aphrodisiac. It is banned by the FDA but still available in some places. Tue, 03 Jun 2008 08:36:00 -0400 40.757929 -73.985506 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1028 http://whatstheharm.net/chiropractic.html#trevor_rhiner whatstheharm.net chiropractic children Trevor saw a chiropractor for back pain and numbness in his legs. He was diagnosed with a series of problems and told to take a year of treatments, paid up front. A second opinion from a doctor said there was nothing wrong with him. The family sued. Tue, 03 Jun 2008 08:47:00 -0400 41.588822 -93.620309 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1029 http://whatstheharm.net/witchcraft.html#gladys_kasito whatstheharm.net witchcraft A seven year old boy had a swollen leg, and accused her of causing it via witchcraft. Her neighbors demolished her house and beat her up. Even her family will have nothing to do with her. Tue, 03 Jun 2008 08:51:00 -0400 -13.9899 33.77032 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1030 http://whatstheharm.net/witchcraft.html#veronica_vincent_her_mother whatstheharm.net witchcraft herbal remedies Four children (ages 6 to 8) accused them of witchcraft. An angry mob forced them to visit a witchdoctor. He administered an herbal remedy to Veronica, which caused her death. He was arrested. Tue, 03 Jun 2008 08:54:00 -0400 -15.38494 35.31977 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1031 http://whatstheharm.net/witchcraft.html#malita_khoviwa whatstheharm.net witchcraft A girl ran away from home and came to her for help. Later, a witchdoctor accused her of making the girl run. She was convicted of causing the girls disappearance. Tue, 03 Jun 2008 08:56:00 -0400 -16.025459 35.524681 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1032 http://whatstheharm.net/witchcraft.html#alesi_yosefe whatstheharm.net witchcraft Children in her area accused her of flying around the marketplace and practicing witchcraft. She was convicted under a 107 year old law and was sentenced to 18 months in jail. Tue, 03 Jun 2008 08:58:00 -0400 -13.79994 32.880211 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1033 http://whatstheharm.net/witchcraft.html#chikumbutso_mponda whatstheharm.net witchcraft He was convicted on allegations that his "magic plane" crashed while he was traveling in it. Tue, 03 Jun 2008 08:59:00 -0400 -13.254308 34.301525 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1034 http://whatstheharm.net/acupuncture.html#karen_hall_siegel whatstheharm.net acupuncture After suffering burns in a kitchen accident, she sought out many different treatments for her lingering pain and scars. "Acupuncture -- for fifteen weeks -- didn't do a thing." Tue, 03 Jun 2008 09:01:00 -0400 40.757929 -73.985506 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1035 http://whatstheharm.net/exorcisms.html#evelyn_vasquez whatstheharm.net exorcisms The child had a history of sleepwalking. Her mother confessed to brutally stabbing her to death because she believe she was possessed by the devil. She was charged with murder. Tue, 03 Jun 2008 09:11:00 -0400 42.359464 -87.874927 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1036 http://whatstheharm.net/acupuncture.html#grace_park whatstheharm.net acupuncture Famous people Grace is an LPGA golfer. After hurting her back in 2005, she desperately tried any type of treatment to recover. A Korean form of acupuncture bruised her back and put her in agony. Weeks later she was bruised and her back was no better. Tue, 03 Jun 2008 09:16:00 -0400 37.5139 126.9828 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1037 http://whatstheharm.net/alternativemedicine.html#johnny_warren_athlete_149_others whatstheharm.net alternative medicine vitamin megadoses Famous people A long-time smoker, he was diagnosed with lung cancer. His family pleaded with him to give up the unproven "wonder drugs" he was being given in Queensland. He died, and the doctor he was seeing was later investigated by authorities. Tue, 03 Jun 2008 09:21:00 -0400 -33.867139 151.207114 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1038 http://whatstheharm.net/herbalremedies.html#24_cases_of_liver_damage_1038 whatstheharm.net herbal remedies One person died, two required liver transplants and 21 others suffered illness after using the herbal remedy kava kava, often prescribed for anxiety or stress. The German regulatory agency issued a warning and planned to ban the substance. Wed, 04 Jun 2008 18:04:00 -0400 51.165691 10.451526 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1039 http://whatstheharm.net/conspiracytheories.html#dr_nicholas_kollerstrom whatstheharm.net conspiracy theories He wrote on the web that the Holocaust never happened and endorsed other conspiracy theories. He was fired from his unpaid fellowship at University College of London. Wed, 04 Jun 2008 18:08:00 -0400 51.524605 -0.133746 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1040 http://whatstheharm.net/nigerianemails.html#john_doe_1040 whatstheharm.net Nigerian emails A Nigerian immigrant convinced him he was due to receive $1 Million inducing him to pay various fees. The million never materialized, of course. The immigrant was prosecuted and sentenced to 30 months in prison. Wed, 04 Jun 2008 18:12:00 -0400 49.895543 -97.138343 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1041 http://whatstheharm.net/hypnosis.html#glen_woodall whatstheharm.net hypnosis He was found guilty based on eyewitness testimony from witnesses that were secretly hypnotized. He served years in prison before being exonerated by DNA tests which proved he could not have been the perpetrator. Wed, 04 Jun 2008 18:22:00 -0400 38.419825 -82.445369 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1042 http://whatstheharm.net/dreaminterpretation.html#steven_linscott whatstheharm.net dream interpretation expert witnesses After a neighbor was murdered, he admitted to police that he had had a dream of a similar murder. A jury took just hours to convict him based on this and some flimsy hair analysis testimony. DNA tests later proved he could not have been the murderer. Wed, 04 Jun 2008 18:30:00 -0400 41.888601 -87.79437 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1043 http://whatstheharm.net/expertwitnesses.html#alejandro_dominguez whatstheharm.net expert witnesses Even though the blood evidence in the case could include 2/3 of all the men in the world, the serologist did not admit this on the stand. DNA testing later proved that he could not have been the perpetrator, and his conviction was set aside. Wed, 04 Jun 2008 18:46:00 -0400 42.359464 -87.874927 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1044 http://whatstheharm.net/expertwitnesses.html#kirk_noble_bloodsworth whatstheharm.net expert witnesses He was convicted of murder and sentenced to death, based in part on forensic evidence supposedly linking his shoes to marks on the victim. DNA testing later proved he could not have committed the crime. Wed, 04 Jun 2008 18:52:00 -0400 39.438964 -76.592176 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1045 http://whatstheharm.net/expertwitnesses.html#larry_souter whatstheharm.net expert witnesses A woman was hit by the mirror of a vehicle and killed. The crime went unsolved for years. An expert said her wound was consistent with being hit by a bottle found nearby. Larry was convicted. Later a witness came forward and the expert recanted. Wed, 04 Jun 2008 18:57:00 -0400 43.553874 -85.771666 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1046 http://whatstheharm.net/expertwitnesses.html#ron_williamson_dennis_fritz whatstheharm.net expert witnesses Williamson was sentenced to death, Fritz to life. This was based in part on hair samples at the scene. DNA testing later proved the hair could not have come from them, and they were freed. Wed, 04 Jun 2008 19:03:00 -0400 34.77507 -96.678689 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1047 http://whatstheharm.net/homeopathy.html#president_warren_g_harding whatstheharm.net homeopathy Famous people Despite the misgivings of a physician, his personal homeopath let him do arduous tasks and speak in the heat. When he had a bout of food poisoning, the homeopath applied heavy doses of purgatives to flush out toxins. He died. No autopsy was done. Thu, 05 Jun 2008 15:43:00 -0400 37.787941 -122.401934 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1048 http://whatstheharm.net/vitaminmegadoses.html#carol_lemaistre whatstheharm.net vitamin megadoses She shunned conventional treatment for cancer; alternative treatment was administered by her husband. He calls himself a doctor despite having no formal qualifications. He used touch, vitamin C and calcium supplements. She died within a month. Thu, 05 Jun 2008 18:36:00 -0400 53.707231 -2.2009 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1049 http://whatstheharm.net/chiropractic.html#marilyn_senzell whatstheharm.net chiropractic She claims she suffered a torn carotid artery during a 2001 session with a chiropractor. A week later, she suffered a stroke which has left her disabled. The chiropractor paid her $500,000 in a settlement in 2008. Mon, 09 Jun 2008 08:48:00 -0400 41.5503674273463 -87.6649676183786 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1050 http://whatstheharm.net/chiropractic.html#theresa_wilkin whatstheharm.net chiropractic She was sick for a while and saw a chiropractor for the headaches. He told her that she had a pinched nerve in her back. She actually had a rare neurological illness that has had a local outbreak, and barely got to the hospital in time. Mon, 09 Jun 2008 09:01:00 -0400 -40.948949 175.660764 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1051 http://whatstheharm.net/colloidalsilver.html#john_doe_1051 whatstheharm.net colloidal silver scientific studies Another case report of argyria caused by colloidal silver, this one from Stanford University Medical Center. Mon, 09 Jun 2008 09:47:00 -0400 37.42831 -122.16996 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1052 http://whatstheharm.net/vegetarianismveganism.html#jane_roe_1052 whatstheharm.net vegetarianism/veganism children This 12 year old is in the hospital with a degenerative bone condition that has left her with the "spine of an 80-year-old woman." Lack of vitamin D from her strict vegan diet from birth is believed to be the cause. Police action is being considered. Mon, 09 Jun 2008 10:04:00 -0400 55.86934 -4.294796 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1053 http://whatstheharm.net/faithhealing.html#matthew_lincoln whatstheharm.net faith healing At a faith healing service he "received the spirit and fell backwards", but nobody was there to catch him. He struck his head on the floor. He claims this exacerbated his back condition and has sued the church. Mon, 09 Jun 2008 10:48:00 -0400 35.879263 -83.934245 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1054 http://whatstheharm.net/witchcraft.html#maramani_jugur whatstheharm.net witchcraft After a neighbor died, relatives accused an Indian mother of two of causing the death via witchcraft. They beat, gagged and burnt her to death in a remote tribal village. Three villagers were arrested. Mon, 09 Jun 2008 11:10:00 -0400 20.255806 85.841219 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1055 http://whatstheharm.net/religiousfundamentalism.html#hobart_freeman whatstheharm.net religious fundamentalism Founder of the Faith Assembly, he refused all medical care and intervention and advised his flock to do the same. Some estimate that as many as 90 preventable deaths resulted. Many were children. He himself died at home after refusing treatment. Mon, 09 Jun 2008 12:08:00 -0400 39.900198 -87.03704 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1056 http://whatstheharm.net/acupuncture.html#john_doe_1056 whatstheharm.net acupuncture scientific studies This case report is of the autopsy of a patient who experienced shortness of breath right after an acupuncture treatment. Both lungs had collapsed. The patient died within 90 minutes. Tue, 10 Jun 2008 22:48:00 -0400 35.678451 139.682282 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1057 http://whatstheharm.net/psychics.html#residents_of_gisborne_new_zealand whatstheharm.net psychics internet misinformation After an American psychic predicted an earthquake for this town, residents clogged government and police phone lines with questions. Rumors spread further via internet web sites. Some fled the town. The quake never came. Tue, 10 Jun 2008 23:04:00 -0400 -38.666381 178.025949 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1058 http://whatstheharm.net/alternativedentistry.html#rebecca_lindsay_lyndel_mckay whatstheharm.net alternative dentistry metal toxicity fear "Biological dentists" recommended by her chiropractor said her fillings were poisoning her. They removed nine of her teeth and much of her jaw. Reconstructive surgery was required to rebuild her jaw and smile. She sued. Tue, 10 Jun 2008 23:20:00 -0400 33.664705 -118.012553 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1059 http://whatstheharm.net/vegetarianismveganism.html#dakota_jubb whatstheharm.net vegetarianism/veganism children His father is raising him as a "lifefoodarian". When he fractured his ankle, his father did not take him to the doctor, but fashioned splints from chopsticks. City officials intervened, taking custody of the boy. The father released a press release. Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:21:00 -0400 40.729791 -73.988654 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1060 http://whatstheharm.net/vegetarianismveganism.html#iice_swinton whatstheharm.net vegetarianism/veganism children Her parents fed her a strict vegetarian diet and the results were disastrous. When she was taken into custody she had rickets, couldn't move, and was too weak to cry. Her parents were sentenced to 5 and 6 years in prison. Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:27:00 -0400 40.672535 -73.831012 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1061 http://whatstheharm.net/herbalremedies.html#thousands_of_airborne_customers whatstheharm.net herbal remedies vitamin megadoses Airborne is based on Chinese herbal remedies and large doses of vitamins. The box claimed it could cure a cold based on a study that was discovered to be bogus. A lawsuit awarded $23.3M to defrauded customers. The product is still on the shelves. Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:41:00 -0400 26.345485 -81.785144 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1062 http://whatstheharm.net/vegetarianismveganism.html#jane_roe_1062 whatstheharm.net vegetarianism/veganism alternative medicine She has a rare illness that interferes with her kidneys and breathing. Her mother put her on a regimen of wheat-grass juice and raw foods and was withholding some of her medication. A court intervened and put her in the hospital for surgery. Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:51:00 -0400 46.2111 -70.774594 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1063 http://whatstheharm.net/astrology.html#myanmars_economy whatstheharm.net astrology numerology General Ne Win's astrologer and numerologist told him his lucky number was 9 and he would live to be 90 if he was surrounded by 9s. He reissued the currency in multiples of 9 causing mayhem and new insurgencies. He resigned within a year. Wed, 11 Jun 2008 11:03:00 -0400 19.75 96.1 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1064 http://whatstheharm.net/expertwitnesses.html#clyde_charles whatstheharm.net expert witnesses A criminalist testified two hairs on his shirt were "similar" to those of the victim. He was sentenced to prison. DNA testing later proved that he could not have committed the crime. Wed, 11 Jun 2008 11:07:00 -0400 29.587375 -90.704441 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1065 http://whatstheharm.net/expertwitnesses.html#jimmy_ray_bromgard whatstheharm.net expert witnesses A forensic expert testified that hairs found at the scene belonged to Bromgard. A peer review later called the statistics used "breathtakingly absurd". DNA testing later proved his innocence. Wed, 11 Jun 2008 11:11:00 -0400 45.782703 -108.504471 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1066 http://whatstheharm.net/irsdenial.html#john_j_carol_a_rizzo whatstheharm.net IRS denial He appeared at tax protestor seminars wearing judges robes, advising people on ways to avoid paying taxes. The IRS prosecuted he and his wife for 14 counts of tax evasion. They were convicted, sent to prison, and forbidden from giving tax advice. Wed, 11 Jun 2008 11:16:00 -0400 33.581411 -111.893215 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1067 http://whatstheharm.net/irsdenial.html#t_milton_street whatstheharm.net IRS denial He was indicted on charges of tax evasion, and used the standard "tax protestor" arguments that the federal income tax is illegal. He was convicted of three counts and faces a prison term. Wed, 11 Jun 2008 11:23:00 -0400 40.431096 -76.541226 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1068 http://whatstheharm.net/homeopathy.html#malka_sitner whatstheharm.net homeopathy children Police believe her parents disregarded a doctor's prescription of antibiotics and took her to a homeopath instead. She died. Because autopsies are forbidden amongst her family's ultra-Orthodox sect, an angry mob stole her body and secretly buried it Wed, 11 Jun 2008 11:27:00 -0400 31.8 34.65 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1069 http://whatstheharm.net/alternativemedicine.html#skip_coombs whatstheharm.net alternative medicine Seeking a cure for AIDS, he traveled from his home in North Carolina to Arizona for an intravenous treatment. He was taken across the border into Mexico for the treatment. He died four months later. Wed, 11 Jun 2008 11:30:00 -0400 34.16822 -111.930872 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1070 http://whatstheharm.net/scientology.html#kaja_bordevich_ballo whatstheharm.net Scientology The daughter of a Norwegian Member of Parliament, she was studying in France and decided to take a personality test at a storefront Scientology center. She found the results "devastating" and committed suicide hours later. Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:18:00 -0400 43.704805 7.265654 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1071 http://whatstheharm.net/scientology.html#kyle_brennan whatstheharm.net Scientology Kyle's father was a Scientologist, but he wasn't. Kyle took Lexipro to control his depresssion. Visiting his dad, he was found dead. Allegedly his father called the Church first before calling an ambulance, and that Kyle's medicine was locked away. Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:23:00 -0400 27.98146 -82.451142 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1072 http://whatstheharm.net/jehovahswitnesses.html#john_edwards whatstheharm.net Jehovah's Witnesses He was hit by a car and critically injured, hospital workers revived him at least once. But his wife refuses to let them transfuse blood, without which he cannot endure emergency surgery. He sits in the ICU near death, while his non-JW sons look on. Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:27:00 -0400 51.515093 -0.379261 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1073 http://whatstheharm.net/psychics.html#1000_people_1073 whatstheharm.net psychics exorcisms Police arrested a man and his disciples who were selling exorcisms to people. Over a thousand people were approached in public and told they were possessed by a spirit, and then taken for between 30,000 and 1 million yen each. Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:39:00 -0400 35.33374 139.541046 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1074 http://whatstheharm.net/facilitatedcommunication.html#carla_her_family whatstheharm.net Facilitated Communication Severely disabled since childhood due to encephalitis, she allegedly accused her father, brother and mother of abusing her via FC. She was removed from her home and it was a year before a court agreed that the communication was invalid. Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:42:00 -0400 -37.819359 144.972015 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1075 http://whatstheharm.net/chiropractic.html#yvonne_hoskin whatstheharm.net chiropractic She attended a chiropractor for backache. X-ray taken, and cancer of the vertebral body was missed. Subsequent manipulation caused major fracture which required 3-level fusion to fix and resulted in chronic pain. Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:49:00 -0400 -38.14729 144.360735 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1076 http://whatstheharm.net/witchcraft.html#jamuna_devi whatstheharm.net witchcraft She was blamed for someone's illness by a tantrik who claimed she did black magic. Over 20 people beat her with sticks in retribution. The culprits fled the village and police are investigating. Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:54:00 -0400 26.4433 74.642693 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1077 http://whatstheharm.net/psychics.html#colleen_victoria_leduc whatstheharm.net psychics A teaching assistant went to a psychic. She was told a student with a “V” name was being abused. The school called Victoria’s mom and reported this to the child protection agency. The tracking device worn by the child proves no such thing occurred. Thu, 19 Jun 2008 19:58:00 -0400 44.413561 -79.703042 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1078 http://whatstheharm.net/terrorismfear.html#brad_jayakody whatstheharm.net terrorism fear He was wearing a T-shirt depicting a cartoon robot holding a gun. Security officials forced him to change his shirt before boarding an airplane. Thu, 19 Jun 2008 20:05:00 -0400 51.519556 -0.189981 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1079 http://whatstheharm.net/herbalremedies.html#truong_phuc_do whatstheharm.net herbal remedies He was taking a prescribed medicine for an illness, but adding an over-the-counter painkiller caused a reaction. When he took three packages of medicinal herbs recommended by a friend, he had to be hospitalized. Thu, 19 Jun 2008 20:13:00 -0400 21.190077 107.257106 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1080 http://whatstheharm.net/chiropractic.html#jose_lopez whatstheharm.net chiropractic He went to see an unlicensed chiropractor at his home. A neck manipulation seriously injured him and left him unconcious. He was declared brain dead at hospital and the chiropractor faces murder charges. Thu, 19 Jun 2008 20:18:00 -0400 38.538746 -121.462985 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1081 http://whatstheharm.net/nigerianemails.html#geana_stutz_her_family whatstheharm.net Nigerian emails She received a convincing letter from a company claiming to want to hire her for consumer research, that contained a check. This is just a variant of the famous Nigerian scam, also known as a "false check" scam. Now the family is out $4,100. Thu, 19 Jun 2008 20:29:00 -0400 46.12449 -122.890052 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1082 http://whatstheharm.net/faithhealing.html#darrell_wayne_perry_songwriter whatstheharm.net faith healing Famous people He had cancer, but his tele-evangelist aunt allegedly advised him to stop taking medication and allow God to heal him. She then wrote about this in a book. He died, and his children sued for wrongful death, but later dropped the suit. Thu, 19 Jun 2008 20:40:00 -0400 39.4537317064522 -84.3263608673344 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1083 http://whatstheharm.net/chiropractic.html#sandra_nette whatstheharm.net chiropractic She felt dizzy after driving home from her chiropractor. Hospital physicians found she had suffered multiple strokes and required surgery. Paralyzed, disabled and under 24 hour care, she has filed a $500 million class action lawsuit. Thu, 19 Jun 2008 20:51:00 -0400 53.540941 -113.493698 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1084 http://whatstheharm.net/faithhealing.html#neil_beagley whatstheharm.net faith healing children He had a congenital condition that could have been easily treated. Unfortunately his family belongs to a church that believes in faith healing rather than medicine. He died. His cousin (Ava Worthington) also died in related circumstances. Thu, 19 Jun 2008 21:01:00 -0400 45.378328 -122.593294 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1085 http://whatstheharm.net/witchcraft.html#lakhan_majhi_his_family whatstheharm.net witchcraft When a neighbor died of a prolonged illness, villagers blamed him and accused him of witchcraft. He and his family were stoned and then buried alive in the jungle. When police arrived, everyone had fled. Fri, 20 Jun 2008 10:11:00 -0400 27.1853366965482 94.0944358307925 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1086 http://whatstheharm.net/witchcraft.html#18_elderly_kenyans_1086 whatstheharm.net witchcraft Villagers in eastern Kenya lynched seven elderly men accused of witchcraft over a month, after linking them to mysterious deaths. Eleven other elderly women were lynched in western Kenya in May. Fri, 20 Jun 2008 10:20:00 -0400 0.05587 37.64476 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1087 http://whatstheharm.net/christianscience.html#jim_henson_puppeteer whatstheharm.net Christian Science Famous people He had felt sick for several days. His wife later told a magazine that he probably delayed going to the hospital due in part to his Christian Science upbringing. Had he gone earlier his infection would have been treatable. Instead he died. Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:53:00 -0400 40.764586 -73.953606 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1088 http://whatstheharm.net/acupuncture.html#sean_miller whatstheharm.net acupuncture naturopathy In the grips of severe depression, he tried many treatments. Included in this were acupuncture, vitamin regimens and "a shop's worth of naturopathic remedies," none of which worked. A conventional medical procedure called DBS eventually cured him. Sat, 28 Jun 2008 21:19:00 -0400 43.67491 -79.384882 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1089 http://whatstheharm.net/vegetarianismveganism.html#michaela_caleb_zion_lily_parker whatstheharm.net children vegetarianism/veganism naturopathy Their parents fed them a vegan diet and subjected them to enemas, under the direction of a naturopath who had never seen the children. The mother was sentenced to 30 years, the father awaits sentencing. Sun, 06 Jul 2008 12:58:00 -0400 33.581954 -111.899936 whatstheharm.net.case.number.1090 http://whatstheharm.net/psychics.html#florentino_v_floro_jr whatstheharm.net psychics magick He claimed that three invisible mystic elves helped him render decisions and heal people in his chambers. The Supreme Court ruled that psychic powers have no place in the court room and fired him from his job. Sun, 06 Jul 2008 13:05:00 -0400 14.579 120.9726