Child Welfare Versus Parental Autonomy: Medical Ethics, The Law, and Faith-Based Healing

Does Idaho State have the right to force her children to provide medical care? Usually it is correct. Parents or guardians who claim they only believe in prayer or "treating belief" must provide the child with the medical care they need. Otherwise, they may be sued and child welfare agencies and courts can intervene to ensure that sick children receive treatment. Then, what about the argument of "freedom of religion"? Should the government be allowed to parents to teach how to raise children? In most states, including Idaho state, the government strictly restricts what the government can and can not do with childcare requirements. In addition to these narrow applications parents and guardians truly believe in the healing power of prayer and the mission of government agencies is to protect all children from abuse and neglect. For example, parents can not ignore the educational needs of children. Even if it violates his or her religious beliefs.

In religious exemptions, including medical neglect, the state varies. Many people allow parents to refuse to provide preventive care and treatment for their children. In general, the exemption must be based on the real religious beliefs and the parents' members in an acknowledged belief or religious tradition. For example, the Christian Science School is an established sect known for believing in the healing of faith. However, some states, such as Colorado State, do not allow parents to refuse to treat children based on religious beliefs.