Go to http://www.childrenshealthcare.org/ and you will see several stories of children dying painful deaths because their parents refused to ignore their superstitious beliefs and allowed their children to die,
This is a tricky subject. On the one hand, I'm sure all these parents loved their children and felt that their faith in God would prevail. On the other hand, it's hard to imagine not racing to the ER as soon as some of these symptoms appeared.
I personally believe medicine was created for a reason! I believe that my children should have access to the best medical care at all times - and for preventative care as well as direct care. To watch my child scream in pain and for me to simply sit and pray would be unfathomable for me but apparently not to others.
There are laws that protect parents from prosecution when they chose faith over medicine but in the recent Wisconsin case, prosecutors are forging ahead with charges anyway.
People must be allowed to practice their faith and personal choices must be allowed. However, I doubt if it was these childrens' personal choice to be in such horrific pain. It's really hard to read these stories, just heartbreaking.
I'm all for freedom of religion and I think if an adult wants to refuse medical care they should be allowed that right. But for children?
Religion and health
This is a tricky subject. On the one hand, I'm sure all these parents loved their children and felt that their faith in God would prevail. On the other hand, it's hard to imagine not racing to the ER as soon as some of these symptoms appeared.
I personally believe medicine was created for a reason! I believe that my children should have access to the best medical care at all times - and for preventative care as well as direct care. To watch my child scream in pain and for me to simply sit and pray would be unfathomable for me but apparently not to others.
There are laws that protect parents from prosecution when they chose faith over medicine but in the recent Wisconsin case, prosecutors are forging ahead with charges anyway.
People must be allowed to practice their faith and personal choices must be allowed. However, I doubt if it was these childrens' personal choice to be in such horrific pain. It's really hard to read these stories, just heartbreaking.
I'm all for freedom of religion and I think if an adult wants to refuse medical care they should be allowed that right. But for children?
Posted: Fri., June 20, 2008, 12:29 pm
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