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Scientology arm charged in woman's death

Christian Century, Dec 2, 1998

Criminal charges have been filed in Florida against an agency of the Church of Scientology in connection with the 1995 death of a 36-year-old woman who was in its care following an apparent nervous breakdown. The church's Flag Service Organization in Clearwater, Florida, was charged November 13 with felony abuse or neglect of a disabled adult and with the unauthorized practice of medicine in regard to the death of Lisa McPherson. Florida law provides for a maximum penalty of $5,000 on each charge and the possible forfeiture of property.

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McPherson died December 5, 1995, following 17 days at a church-operated hotel in Clearwater after suffering an apparent breakdown following a minor traffic accident. The Pinellas County medical examiner said McPherson, a longtime member of the controversial church, had been deprived of water for as many as ten days prior to her death. The cause of death was listed as a blood clot resulting from dehydration. The church maintains that McPherson was properly treated in accordance with the group's practices. Scientology frowns on psychiatric treatment, but McPherson was given injections of magnesium chloride in an attempt to get her to sleep, as well as various vitamins, herbal remedies and prescription drugs.

None of the church members who treated McPherson had a medical license, although several had medical training. McPherson's family has also filed a wrongful-death civil suit against the church, which claims some 8 million members worldwide.

Scientology arm charged in woman's death

Christian Century, Dec 2, 1998

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