Ray Sandford Declares
"Guarded Victory" for
MindFreedom Ray Campaign
Because of public pressure, Ray's main psychiatrist Dean K. Knudson (shown here) may quit the case. Dr. Knudson has been ordering Ray's ongoing involuntary outpatient electroshock. If a replacement is found quickly, Ray's forced ongoing outpatient electroshocks may end.
Dean K. Knudson, above, is reportedly quitting as Ray Sandford's psychiatrist because of public pressure about Ray's forced electroshock.
MindFreedom News - 15 April 2009
The bad news is that this morning, 15 April 2009, Ray Sandford of Minnesota had another involuntary, outpatient electroshock, also known as electroconvulsive therapy or ECT.
The good news is today's forced electroshock could be Ray's last.
Maybe.
Ray Sandford called the MindFreedom office this afternoon to say that because of growing public pressure, Ray's main psychiatrist Dean K. Knudson plans to quit as Ray's psychiatrist. Dr. Knudson (pictured here) has been ordering the forced electroshocks.
If Ray is quickly assigned a new psychiatrist more sensitive to Ray's human rights and need for humane alternatives, then Ray could be free of his ongoing forced electroshocks. Ray has had more than 40.
Dr. Knudson had scheduled Ray's next forced shock for 30 days from today. The court order allowing Ray's forced electroshock does not mandate the psychiatrist to prescribe it.
Ray said that his general guardian, Tonya Wilhelm of Lutheran Social Service, told Ray in a phone call today that she had talked to Dr. Knudson personally. According to her, Dr. Knudson's insurance company expressed concern to him about the enormous grassroots campaign that MindFreedom is building to stop Ray's forced electroshocks.
RAY CAMPAIGN TO CONTINUE
"Tonya told me that because of all the controversy, Dr. Knudson's insurance company may force him to stop being my psychiatrist," said Ray. "Absolutely this is a guarded victory. I want to be sure to thank people for their diligence, and for everything they're doing to support me."
David W. Oaks, Director of MindFreedom International commented, "Today is USA Tax Day. If Ray's supporters keep it up, it looks like taxpayers may get a break, and not waste their money torturing Ray any more."
The Ray Campaign will continue, said Oaks. "We need to stay vigilant about Ray's rights, make sure Dr. Knudson quits, and help Ray find a better lead mental health professional pronto."
The Ray Campaign also raises a question: How many other Ray's are there?
Said Oaks, "It is proven beyond a doubt that there are others throughout the USA and internationally who are getting electroshock over their clearly expressed wishes. Every USA state and every nation needs a 'Ray Law' to stop this nightmare forever."
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For background including Ray Frequently Asked Questions, Ray's Web of Links, YouTube video of Ray and his mom, National Public Radio coverage, how to participate in campaign, and more, see:
http://www.mindfreedom.org/ray
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MindFreedom International unites to take action for a nonviolent revolution in the mental health system.
Join/donate to MindFreedom International today:
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