An Oregon City couple, Blair Edwards, 37, and Taylor Edwards, 32, have been sentenced to jail time for their failure to seek necessary medical care for their newborn, who subsequently died; the couple pleaded guilty to Criminal Mistreatment in the First Degree on Monday, as reported by the Clackamas County News.
During sentencing in Clackamas County Circuit Court, the Edwards were given 30 days in jail and five years of supervised probation. They must also follow strict rules to make sure their four remaining children get proper medical care. This includes having health insurance, taking the children to regular doctor visits, and following all medical advice. Their neglect was linked to their belief in the Followers of Christ church, which promotes faith healing instead of medical treatment. Sadly, this case is part of a long, troubling history where children have died due to similar beliefs, as per the Clackamas County News.
"We should have reached out for medical care when Hayden went into medical distress," stated Blair Edwards in court, as the Clackamas County News quotes, reflecting on the tragic death of their son, Hayden, whose demise was ascribed to acute bilirubin encephalopathy from unchecked hyperbilirubinemia; however, prosecutors were unable to link the cause of the hyperbilirubinemia to an action by the parents, thus limiting the charges.
Hayden’s health quickly got worse just 36 hours after birth. He turned blue and had trouble breathing. Instead of calling a doctor, his parents used prayers and anointing oils, following their religious beliefs. But faith can’t clear a baby’s lungs, cure jaundice, or stop an infection—and in many cases, delays like this have led to tragic outcomes, as detailed by the Clackamas County News.
Hayden’s death is one of several linked to the Followers of Christ church in Clackamas County. Since 2008, there have been six prosecutions and five child deaths related to medical neglect in the church. Clackamas County District Attorney John Wentworth has made it clear this can’t continue. “Oregon law is extremely clear; parents are required to protect their children,” he said, emphasizing the state’s commitment to child safety, as staed by the Clackamas County News.
