The Positions

On the one side, we have sanity. This group argues that minors should be protected and given medical attention, even if their psychotic parents say that to receive treatment, or even go to a doctor and diagnose the problem, is against their religion.

Proponents of this argument do not deny the freedom of religion. Rather, they are opposed to people claiming that freedom as a defense when their ridiculous actions lead to a needless death.

Those in favor of the use of medicine argue that children should be given treatment for their diseases and conditions, despite the beliefs they hold. Anyone determined to have the maturity to choose their own medicinal practices can make their own choices; if they want, they can refuse a simple shot of insulin to save them from their diabetes. But they can't make that choice for their children. These minors are generally too young to truly understand the choices their parents are making for them, which means they can't object when they are pointlessly sentenced to death because, as one guardian said, "Jehovah is using [them] in a mighty way."


On the other side we have the fundamentalists and the evangelicals. These groups believe that it is an affront to God and his commandments to receive medical treatment (although in some more moderate cases, they object only to portions of medical treatments, such as a blood transfusion). These beliefs, they argue, are protected under the freedom of religion. They can believe what they will, and act according to those beliefs.

To have those beliefs ignored when child-advocates argue for the medical treatment of children, they say, would be to violate a fundamental clause of the Constitution. Their children are under their protection, and they will treat them in the way they believe is right. If it happens that seeing a doctor violates God's law, then they will not put their children in mortal sin.


If by now you don't know which side I'm on, you haven't actually been reading this blog.

I think it is atrocious that parents are allowed to let their children die because their particular God tells them that to use the medicine that would save their life would be a sin.

I don't argue that we shouldn't respect the religious beliefs of others. I may think the beliefs are stupid or misguided, but it is not my right to prevent others from believing what they want. However, it is my place to cry out when those beliefs cost the life of an innocent child.

The tragedy is that, even if these kids were allowed the treatment and grew into adults, they would likely end up believing the same things as their parents, and would likely inflict similar consequences on their own children. But regardless of what they might someday believe, as children they don't have the maturity or awareness to agree to forgo treatment, and agree to die.