Jan 5, 2009 7:55 pm US/Eastern
Was Travolta Son's Health Affected By Scientology?
Actor's Son Jett, 16, Dead After Seizure At Family's Bahamas Vacation Home
Reporting
Cindy Hsu
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
As the Travoltas search for definitive answers in their son's death, others are asking questions about the family's religion of scientology and its practices concerning medical treatments.
There's a lot of mystery when it comes to Scientology, and its strong opposition to drugs.
There's the added mystique of having celebrities like Tom Cruise credit the religion for helping him overcome dyslexia, and criticizing Brooke Shields for using an anti-depressant to battle postpartum depression.
With the tragedy of Jett Travolta, some have speculated that he may have had autism, which is not recognized by Scientologists, and some have questioned whether he received the treatment he needed.
But Scientology experts say the religion accepts traditional medicine and treatments – it's the use of psychotropic drugs that are discouraged.
"[Scientologists avoid] those types of drugs that are uppers and downers, including things such as anti-depressants, and all kinds of psychotropic drugs that are used to treat mental illness – that would include drugs like Prozac," Frank Flinn, religious studies professor at Washington University, said.
Dr. Flinn says there are many religions throughout the world that follow different beliefs when it comes to medical treatment.
"You can look at Jehovah's Witnesses, who oppose blood transfusions," Flinn said. "You can look at Christian Scientists, who oppose the use of vaccinations."
We contacted the Church of Scientology to learn more about the religion, but did not receive a response.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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