I think most of us have heard the story of the 11 year old Wisconsin girl who died as a result of Type 1 Diabetes complications. Her parents declined doctor or hospital care, preferring to use their faith in the power of prayer and healing.
The girl, Madeline Neumann had been sick, according to relatives for some time. She had been taken out of regular schools to be home schooled and had not seen a doctor since the age of 3.
Ultimately, it was relatives in California who called 911 to say that the girl's family had mentioned on the phone that she was in a coma and they were praying for her. No doctors were ever called.
When the parents did call 911, the girl was already dead. Experts in the disease of Diabetes have stated that the girl would have been sick for weeks (up to two months) and in her last few weeks, she would have been in obvious distress.
Upon her death, her parents suggested to police that she may have died because they did not have enough faith.
You can find the parents website here
www.americaslastdays.com
Wisconsin law permits parents to withhold medical care for their children if they prefer faith or prayer-based healing.
I'd like to know your thoughts on this story. Do you have faith in the healing power of prayer? Has it worked for you? Do you believe these parents had the right to withhold medical care? Should they be charged or should they be allowed to govern their childrens' lives and deaths according to their religious beliefs?
Tell me your opinions on this story.