Freedom of Religion?

Few things strike an emotional chord in the American heart more than the untimely death of a small child. On March 23, 2008 an 11-year-old girl died needlessly of a treatable form of diabetes. There was plenty of money and plenty of resources, but the parents refused to consult any doctors; instead they trusted the power of prayer to heal their daughter.

Even after the child's condition became serious, an ambulance was never called and no professional medical help was sought to revive the child. Due to the neglect of two grown adults, a child is dead, and they may not face any consequences thanks to a broad definition of religious freedom.

The right to practice religion in any way a person wishes is a well-documented right and a foundation of the United States. In theory, anyone can practice prayer to any god (or gods) they please. This idea should remain strong and the government should stay out of religious beliefs. However, like all other rights, the right to religion is no longer legitimate if it brings harm to another person. Neglect is harm, and in this case, neglect is murder.

The ability to make decisions for children is the responsibility of the parents, but the parents must do what is in the best interest of the child. Refusing lifesaving treatment is obviously harmful to a child and not in their best interest. With rights come responsibility, and the parents of this child neglected their parental responsibility to look after their daughter and protect her from harm. Unfortunately, a growing American view is that there should be no responsibility intertwined with rights.

One of the government's few legitimate tasks is to protect those who cannot protect themselves, including this child. Children are not property; they are humans, and the rights of a human apply to them.

The government should not allow religion as an excuse for violating the rights of another. If a person violates the law while practicing religion, they must be willing to face the consequences of those practices. Nobody should be above the law, especially when it causes an innocent child to die.

Religion is supposed to bring happiness and fullness to life, not death and tragedy. Whether it is refusing medicine, food, water or air, it is neglect and abuse for a parent to turn to prayer for all their needs. There is no legitimate excuse, including religion, for knowingly allowing a child to die of a treatable disease.

It is disturbing and disgusting that the belief in eternal life is being transformed into an excuse to cause early death. Actions have consequences, and a child's death should bring punishment.