Government endorsement of living on a prayer. Religious exemptions from the duty to provide medical treatment for children.

摘要

INTRODUCTION:Douglas and Rita Swan were life-long adherents of Christian Science until the tragic and preventable death of their 15-month-old son, Matthew. Christian Science is a religious denomination that promotes spiritual healing as a practical expression of Christian living. Although spiritual healing is the preferred method of treatment, Christian Science does not positively ban medical treatment and Christian Science as an institution calls upon members to be law-abiding when the law is unambiguously clear.However, in keeping with the preference for spiritual healing, Douglas and Rita Swan contacted a Christian Science practitioner, Jeanne Laitner, when Matthew developed a raging fever on Saturday, June 18, 1977. The Swans were very concerned and called Laitner several times that day and over the course of that weekend. Laitner discouraged the Swans from seeking medicine for Matthew and advised them not to pay attention to whether his fever went up or down.