Rebirthing therapy banned after girl died in 70 minute struggle

doi:10.1136/bmj.322.7293.1014/e

BMJ 2001;322:1014 ( 28 April )

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Rebirthing therapy banned after girl died in struggle

A plaque of Candace Newmaker is given to US senators who helped pass "Candace's law"

(Credit: AP PHOTO/DAVID ZALUBOWSKI)

Rebirthing therapy, a controversial treatment for reactive detachment disorder, has been banned in the US state of Coloradoone year after it resulted in the death of a 10 year oldgirl.

Candace Newmaker died after she was wrapped from head to toe and surrounded by pillows. Despite the girl's cries that shewas suffocating, the therapists continued to push her in an attemptto simulate uterine contractions. The therapists were convictedof reckless child abuse resulting in death and sentenced to 16-48years'imprisonment.

The law, known as Candace's law, was signed last week. Reactive detachment disorder is a psychiatric illness thought to becaused by the failure of normal bonding with a parent or carerduringinfancy.

Conventional treatment for the disorder relies on intensive psychotherapy with the patient andfamily.

Deborah Josefson, San Francisco

© BMJ 2001

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