Michigan excuses a couple whose neglect killed their baby, because it was a religious belief

[muriel_volestrangler]

And they may now win back custody of 3 other children who were saved from them. They claimed "God makes no mistakes", so refused to take the baby to a hospital where she could have been treated successfully (as their next baby was).

The story began in early 2017, when Abigail Piland was born without any obvious problems. But when the midwife who helped deliver her checked back the next day, Abigail didn't look healthy. The midwife told mother Rachel Piland to take the child to a hospital because the baby "could suffer brain damage or die if not properly cared for."
...
Abigail was not fine. Days later, she was dead. (Rachel and her husband Joshua then prayed for Abigail's resurrection. Surprise: That didn't work, either.)
...
The question now is whether the Pilands should regain custody of their living kids.

You might think this is an easy answer: Hell no. But Michigan law gives them an out: If they avoided medical treatment for their children for legitimate religious reasons, then they can't be punished for it - at least not in custody cases. More technically, they cannot be called "negligent" parents if they were acting on their religious beliefs.

https://friendlyatheist.patheos.com/2021/04/19/parents-who-let-baby-die-because-god-makes-no-mistakes-win-major-court-ruling/

[FirstLight]

1. yikes...

Law is crazy, and definitely not ethical in this case

How could you NOT take your BABY to the Dr/ if they are only days old and bleeding from the freakling MOUTH!?

[idziak4ever1234]

2. I guarantee you they vote pro-life.

[dewsgirl]

5. Stamp.

[OAITW r.2.0]

3. Setting a legal precedence for future child abusers?

"God made me do it."

[Blue Owl]

4. K&R for exposure

Sick and twisted...

[edhopper]

6. All I can say is

Jesus Fucking Christ! We have finally gotten to the point in this country where human sacrifice is acceptable if it is from religious beliefs.

[yellowdogintexas]

7. essentially, human sacrifice was part of religious beliefs.

keeping the gods from being angry and all.

[edhopper]

8. operable word is was

but they can bring it back here now.