RELIGIOUS OBJECTIONS TO MEDICAL-CARE

Parents sometimes deny their children the benefits of medical fare bec ause of religious beliefs. In some jurisdictions, exemptions to child abuse and neglect laws restrict government action to protect children or seek legal redress when the alleged abuse or neglect has occurred i n the name of religion. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) belie ves that all children deserve effective medical treatment that is like ly to prevent substantial harm or suffering or death. In addition, the AAP advocates that all legal interventions apply equally whenever chi ldren are endangered or harmed, without exemptions based on parental r eligious beliefs. To these ends, the AAP calls for the repeal of relig ious exemption laws and supports additional efforts to educate the pub lic about the medical needs of children.