An Indianapolis mother was reportedly arrested on Saturday for giving her daughter a bleach-like concoction to cure her autism.
The unnamed woman, 28, was accused of telling her husband that she’s been giving their daughter a combination of hydrochloric acid and a water purifying solution into her drinks. The Washington Post reported that the toxic combination is marketed in certain online circles as a cure for various diseases, including autism, cancer, and AIDS.
Despite their claims, hydrochloric acid is a colorless, caustic liquid that can cause burns and scarring when it comes into contact with skin. Additionally, the FDA has warned that “chelation” products, which are consumed to remove metals from the body, can lead to dehydration, kidney failure, and death.
“These companies marketing unapproved OTC [over-the counter] chelation products commonly target patients with serious and incurable diseases who may have limited treatment options,” the agency wrote.
“[The] FDA is concerned that patients will delay seeking proven, sometimes essential medical care, when relying on unproven OTC chelation products to treat serious conditions such as heart and blood vessel disease.”
According to USA Today, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department claimed the woman said she learned about the dangerous drinks in a Facebook group and was giving them to her daughter to “help” her autism. There is no known cure for autism.
Police have not disclosed the child’s age but revealed that Child Protective Services took her out of the home. They told the paper that their investigation is ongoing.
[Featured Image: fredsharples/Flickr]
