Reply #24: Maybe this is one of those details you might have missed:

[DeSwiss]

"Philip Elbert, Daniel's court-appointed attorney, said he considers his client to have a "diminished capacity" for reasons of his age and the illness and that he believes Daniel should be treated by a cancer specialist. Elbert added that he does not believe Daniel -- who, according to court papers, cannot read -- has enough information to make an informed decision regarding his treatment."

http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/05/19/minnesota.forced.chemo/index.html?eref=rss_topstories">MORE

- He's 13 years-old and can't read.