Should Medical Exemptions Be Justified By Religious Beliefs?

by Valorie Delp | More from this Blogger

This story caught my eye a few days ago. In Nebraska it is law to screen newborns with the Newborn Screening Test within 48 hours of birth. However, this couple, influenced by Scientology, believes that it was in the best interest of the child to wait a week before screening their newborn. They believed that newborns are still in pain from the birthing process for awhile after birth and that noises or inflicting more pain on him could have serious psychological repercussions later on in life.

So they asked to wait a week to have the newborn screening test. Actually, they didn't want the screening at all. . .but a week long wait would've been acceptable. The hospital denied their request and to make a long story short, they along with another couple who are religiously opposed to drawing blood, went all the way to the Nebraska supreme court to have their case heard.

Child Abuse or Judgment Call?

Every once in awhile a case like this comes up and every time it does it has a polarizing effect. The question is to what extent does the medical community have to respect the wishes of the parents? Some would say that anyone who is not following guidelines that are standard procedure is putting their child at risk and therefore denying medical procedures can be construed as child abuse.

Others would say that parents have every right to make decisions for their children because every patient has the right to deny or accept treatment. Still others would say that it depends on the situation but that in any case where the child may come to serious harm by not having something done, it is a doctor's duty to intervene.

Our Own Experience

While we've never gone to the supreme court we were once in a position that pitted us against the NICU doctors at a hospital. I can tell you that having the word "child abuse" thrown at you is quite scary when the consequences could potentially be the removal of your child from your home. It's especially infuriating when you sincerely believe you are doing what's best for your child. Our issues were not religious in nature but rather were breastfeeding related. The doctors went to the ethics committee in the hospital. The committee took our side after speaking with our pediatrician.

The blood test in this case screens for a variety of illnesses some of which are fatal if not treated early. While this is not a black and white issue, in my mind the obvious answer is that doctors need to work closely with families. . .not against them.

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Learn more about Valorie Delp

Hello everybody! My name is Valorie and I am one busy lady! When I'm not writing or editing for families, I am busy trying to get my brood of 5 in line.

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