Plain Prey

Plain Prey

By nature, Amish and Mennonites are simple, honest ... and eager buyers of suspect medicine.


Part 1
•Dubious cures dispensed to a vulnerable people
•'Pacifism is at the heart of everything we do every day'
•Who are the 'Plain People'?
•Many pinned their hopes on worthless device
•Questionable remedies
•State dismisses case against physician


Part 2
•Hucksters peddle to naive customers
•Plain life can't guarantee health
•Amish 'voodoo' applies belief in healing power


Part 3
•Medical Mecca? Tijuana clinics draw plain people
•Clinic doesn't live up to sunny publicity
•Old mines yielding new bonanza: Radioactive gas
•Border clinics: People travel thousands of miles seeking cures and solace


Part 4
•Elsie's tragedy: Girl's story epitomizes Amish plight
•Skeptical bishop warns of quackery, fraud
•Cultural differences test a prosecutor's power of persuasion


Here's Help
•Resources to help you detect and fight medical fraud


Talkback
•Contact the authors.

An update:
• 'Plain people' sharing series on health issues.
• Doctor's hearing set for June.


Background
•Information on the history, tradition and beliefs of the Amish and the Mennonites