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Gov't backs 'drastic measures for anorexics' bill
Cabinet okays legislation meant to enable families to petition for involuntary commitment of anorexics whose lives are in imminent danger
The Ministerial Committee on Legislation greenlighted a bill permitting the involuntary commitment of anorexia patients, should they be in a life-threatening condition and still refuse treatments.
The bill was introduced by MK Dr. Rachel Adatto (Kadima). Israel's Civil Code allows for the involuntary commitment of mental patients should they prove to be a danger to themselves or other.
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The law does not, so far, extend to cover other conditions, which do not qualify as a mental condition but pose an imminent danger to patients if they refuse treatment. Anorexia is one of those conditions.
According to the new bill, which will be presented for a preliminary Knesset reading in the next few weeks, physicians would be able to impose involuntary commitment on anorexia patients if they persist in refusing treatment. Patients who are admitted to hospitals under such orders would be under the care of a team of specialists, including general practitioners, physiologists and dietitians, who will work in tandem to stabilize their condition.
The team will be authorized to use a feeding tube on involuntary commitment anorexia patients if the situation calls for it.
"This is a historic decision. It will save the lives of at least 35 anorexia patients a year," Adatto said.
"This bill will put a atop to the unbearable situation we have today, where families are forces to see their loved ones die, literally before their eyes, because they refuse treatment."
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by an obsessive fear of gaining weight. It is known to have a devastating impact on patients' psyche, as well as their bodies. About 5% of anorexia patients succumb to the disease.
