Oregon Senate votes to end faith healing defense for medical care

Oregon is on the brink of ending the legal protection for parents who rely on faith healing instead of seeking medical care for their children, The Oregonian writes:

On a 25-5 vote, the state Senate on Monday joined the House in passing a measure that was sparked by the heavily publicized deaths of children whose families belong to an Oregon City church, the Followers of Christ.

The Senate added a provision that would make House Bill 2721 take effect immediately after it is signed into law.  It now returns to the House, which is expected to quickly send it on to the governor. [...]

Under current law, spiritual treatment can be used as a defense against some charges.  The bill would eliminate those defenses and parents choosing faith healing over medical treatment for a child who dies could face tough mandatory sentences.

See Also:
• Oregon House unanimously votes to end faith healing exception

House Bill 2721 “Eliminates reliance on spiritual treatment as defense to certain crimes in which victim is under 18 years of age” [Full text ]
Research resources on faith healing
Online book: Churches That Abuse
Cult FAQ
More articles about Followers of Christ Church, theologically a cult of Christianity

Bookmark, Share, or Email This Page

Read Another Article

Pakistan Christian Women Kidnapped, Raped
Faith healing trial brings Followers of Christ church back into the spotlight