Freedom of What?
The Indianapolis Star is providing coverage of an intriguing case where the State’s power to pass laws for the protection and safety of its citizens is about to run smack into the religious protections of the First Amendment. The summary of the case, appearing in the paper today, is as follows:
The Schmidts are lifetime, devout members of a small Morgan County church that eschews medical treatment in favor of faith in God’s power to heal. Last week, they were charged with reckless homicide in the death of their second child, Rhiana Rose Schmidt. She was born last August at home and delivered by a family member. The baby suffered complications during birth — she was in breech position, and her umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck and arm. She struggled to breathe. The Schmidts called church elders to their home to pray for the child, who died after two days. Her death, the coroner ruled, was caused by sepsis — an infection of the blood that can be caused by unsanitary delivery conditions. It can be treated with antibiotics.
Last week, a grand jury in Johnson County, Indiana indicted the couple (of what I, I am not sure). I think this case provides an interesting perspective on the pro-choice/right-to-life debate on abortion:: What are the limits on the state in dictating the choices we make for our children, especially if those choices are based on religious belief?
