Rita Swan

Some religious groups, notably Christian Scientists, reject standard medical treatment in favor of prayer. Many states have laws that exempt parents from child abuse and neglect laws if the parents act out of religious faith; a few states include exemptions for criminal homicide or murder charges. In the following viewpoint, Rita Swan decries such legal exemptions and contends that state governments have the duty to ensure that sick children receive care regardless of their parents’ religious beliefs. Swan is president of Children’s Healthcare Is a Legal Duty (CHILD), an organization working to reduce religion-based medical neglect of children.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What personal circumstances led Swan to her position on religion-based medical neglect?
2. What was the origin of...