Debate has erupted after a naturopath allegedly told a mother to stop giving her baby son prescribed medication for eczema and instead follow an alternative health plan, leaving the boy close to death.
On arrival at hospital, the eight-month-old baby was suffering malnourishment and developmental issues, after having lost more than a kilogram from his small body.
Police, who arrested and charged the naturopath, said the boy was near death.
The shocking new case has reignited debate over the role and regulation of unregistered health practitioners in Australia.
Sydney naturopath Marilyn Bodnar has been arrested.
It comes as an undercover investigation by The Weekly – published in the current July issue of the magazine – reveals the dark side of the $4 billion alternative health industry.
It exposes the full extent of extreme beliefs and conspiracy theories gaining traction in the alternative wellness world on issues ranging from vaccination and sunscreen to diet and bone broth.
One of the most concerning trends that has emerged is alternative health advocates telling people not to trust conventional medicine, particularly when they or their children are suffering from serious conditions from cancer and autism to autoimmune diseases, diabetes and mental illness.
Dr Darren Saunders, a leading scientist from Sydney’s Garvan Institute of Medical Research, said he was “terrified” by views expressed at an alternative health event as part of The Weekly’s investigation.
“These radical and unproven ideas rely more on faith or belief than evidence,” he said.
Other doctors warned of the risks of avoiding or delaying conventional treatment in favour of alternative medicines for serious illness.
In the wake of the baby boy’s near death on a naturopathic regime, the Australian Medical Association (AMA) has urged patients to follow evidence-based treatment and talk to their doctor before switching to an alternative, untested treatment.
“Following proven, known safe methods of treatment is the way to go,” AMA Council of General Practice chair Dr Brian Morton told the ABC.
There have been calls to bring naturopathy under the umbrella of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency – but doctors are concerned this may add validity to a health profession that includes many who don’t have scientifically-based qualifications.
In the latest case, the baby boy remained at Westmead Hospital for six weeks and was released on Wednesday.
The 59-year-old naturopath, who was also a registered nurse and midwife, will face court on 27 July.
Both she and the mother, from Sydney, have been charged with reckless grievous bodily harm and failure to provide for a child causing danger of death.
Under NSW legislation, naturopaths are supposed to abide by a code of conduct for unregistered health practitioners, including not dissuading customers from conventional medicine.
