An Oregon City couple is facing serious charges after their newborn died, allegedly due to their failure to seek medical attention in favor of faith-healing practices. Blair and Taylor Edwards, who are 35 and 30 years old, respectively, have been accused of criminal mistreatment in the first and second degree after their child succumbed to complications from jaundice last June, as reported by OregonLive.
According to court documents, the baby, named Hayden, was born on June 24, 2023, in the parents' home and seemed to be healthy initially. However, the child's condition rapidly deteriorated after they stopped eating on the morning of June 26. Friends and family were called to pray and anoint the baby as its health declined, with attendees noticing that the baby's lips were turning blue by 2:35 p.m. Tragically, Hayden stopped breathing later that afternoon, prompting the family to call the medical examiner's office, KOIN reports.
First responders arrived around 4:30 p.m. and commenced an investigation into the cause of death, which could have been prevented had Hayden received proper medical care for what is believed to be a buildup of bilirubin in the bloodstream. This condition is often treatable with timely interventions. The Edwards, who purportedly adhere to a faith that rejects medical treatment in favor of prayer, admitted, according to court documents, "When asked under what circumstances they would seek medical treatment for [the baby] their answers indicated that they never would and did not think they needed to here," as per KOIN.
Adding to the gravity of the situation is that Taylor Edwards is reportedly pregnant with her fifth child, due this summer. With the couple recently released pending their next court appearance, there is heightened concern for the welfare of the unborn child and their other three children. The court has stipulated that the Edwards must provide necessary medical care for their other children, with both parents set to be arraigned on May 8 in Clackamas Circuit Court, KPTV confirmed. Medical experts fear the next child may also inherit the treatable condition that befell Hayden, posing an urgent need for prospective medical supervision.
The Edwards have refrained from making public comment regarding the charges they now face. The district attorney's office and advocates for child welfare are keeping a watchful eye on the case, spotlighting the often controversial intersection of faith and the well-being of children under the care of religiously devout parents.
