Prayer prevents another child's death

[oregonpackfan]

In suburban Portland(Oregon City) another child recently died when her parents refused medical treatment in lieu of the treatment of prayer.

This 15 year old child died of pneumonia when her parents refused to allow the doctors to administer antibiotics to her. It is believed by medical authorities that simply receiving the antibiotics would certainly have led to her recovery.

Instead, they relied upon prayer to "cure" her.

The churches cemetary contain dozens of children who have died from common diseases since 1950.

I heard a local clergyman offer the view, "If God has provided us with the knowledge and resources for medical healing, wouldn't he want us to save one of his children." I support his view.

http://www.oregonlive.com/clackamascounty/index.ssf/2008/03/oregon_city_parents_indicted_i.html

[MJZiggy]

I didn't click the link because I hate these stories and they make me angry, but I take solace in the text of the link "oregon_city_parents_indicted..."

[BallHawk]

In cases like this the doctor should just be able to override the parents' request.

[GrnBay007]

I didn't click the link because I hate these stories and they make me angry, but I take solace in the text of the link "oregon_city_parents_indicted..."

I feel angry over the stories of blatant abuse....these stories make me feel sad more than anything. Goes to show you...when you listen to public opinion concerning politics, medical care, education etc....always take into account religious beliefs of the person preaching. Most often very biased according to their own religious beliefs.

[red]

give them the chair

thats really pathetic, they are 100% responsible for the childs death and should have to pay the price

and then investigate the church

[Deputy Nutz]

It appears that God's day planner was full, try again later with other children.

[Iron Mike]

Here's a thought.....how 'bout turning the parents loose in the wilderness and having God provide for them???

All they have to do is pray, and God will rain down manna from heaven.

[the_idle_threat]

Could have been worse. The child could have survived to be raised by parents like that.

[Zool]

In cases like this the doctor should just be able to override the parents' request.

100% disagreed. You cannot police people from their own ignorance. Its bad enough they have to put warning labels on everything and disclaimers on everything. If God had wanted that girl to live, he would have made those people smarter.

[Scott Campbell]

In cases like this the doctor should just be able to override the parents' request.

Ahh, if it were so simple. Who's to decide where that threshold exists. And how about the outrage when said government entity oversteps its bounds and tramples some families rights.

[Tyrone Bigguns]

I just watched Gone, Baby, Gone...ties in directly with this thread.

Excellent movie and will leave you pondering what is the right thing to do with children.

[Jimx29]

Why is the title "Prayer prevents another child's death" if the kid died?

[the_idle_threat]

Why is the title "Prayer prevents another child's death" if the kid died?

The first post also says it was a 15-year-old child when the article says it was a 15-month-old.

It's all a test ... testing our sanity, or maybe our reading comprehension. OPF was a teacher you know.

[Joemailman]

In cases like this the doctor should just be able to override the parents' request.

Ahh, if it were so simple. Who's to decide where that threshold exists. And how about the outrage when said government entity oversteps its bounds and tramples some families rights.

This is a tough issue. I agree with the argument that medical knowledge is a gift from God and should be utilized. Not everyone believes that however. The Christian Science religion would be basically outlawed if parents can be forced to seek medical attention for their child. Besides, where do you draw the line? No one expects parents to seek medical attention every time a child is ill. So how do you determine when a parent must consult a doctor and when they must not.

[hoosier]

In cases like this the doctor should just be able to override the parents' request.

Ahh, if it were so simple. Who's to decide where that threshold exists. And how about the outrage when said government entity oversteps its bounds and tramples some families rights.

This is a tough issue. I agree with the argument that medical knowledge is a gift from God and should be utilized. Not everyone believes that however. The Christian Science religion would be basically outlawed if parents can be forced to seek medical attention for their child. Besides, where do you draw the line? No one expects parents to seek medical attention every time a child is ill. So how do you determine when a parent must consult a doctor and when they must not.

I think any parent should be expected to be able to determine when their child's sickness is endangering their health. As a father, if one of my kids was sick and there was a doubt in my mind, I would call the pediatrician. If the boundaries of individual liberty stop when one begins to endanger another person's well-being, then the boundaries of religious tolerance stop there too. If society says it's ok for Christian Science parents to let their child die of a treatable disease because their religion forbids medical treatment, then we have become pure moral relativists. On the other hand, if the parents are too dumb or blind to know the difference between a bad cold and pneumonia, then they should be whacked again with the stupid stick.