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Below is a news release of a policy published in the February issue of Pediatrics, the peer-reviewed, scientific journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). To receive the full text of this policy, please e-mail the division of public relations at [email protected] and ask for February 1997 Religious Objections policy.
AAP ADDRESSES PARENTS RELIGIOUS OBJECTIONS TO MEDICAL CARE
CHICAGO--A new policy from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that no child should be denied access to medical care based on a parents religious beliefs.
The policy, published in Pediatrics, the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, states that religion often plays an important role in the growth and development of children and families. "Pediatricians should seek to make collaborative decisions with families whenever possible and should take great care when considering seeking authority to override parental preferences," the AAP states. However, when parental practices have potentially harmful consequences for the child, a pediatrician may need to intervene on the childs behalf, the policy reports.
Children have the right to appropriate medical care "when it is likely that a serious illness, injury or other medical condition endangers their lives or threatens substantial harm or suffering," the AAP states. "Constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion do not permit children to be harmed through religious practices, nor do they allow religion to be a defense when an individual harms or neglects a child," according to the policy.
The policy also reaffirms the AAP stance calling for the repeal of religious exemption statutes within state child abuse laws. These laws position a childs need for medical care against a parents religious beliefs. As a result, parents are protected from civil or criminal action when denying medical treatment to their children based on religious beliefs.
The policy also makes additional recommendations to the nations pediatricians and child advocates. Some of these suggestions include:
* pediatricians should show sensitivity and flexibility toward religious beliefs and practices of families;
* legislation should ensure that all parents who deny their children medical care likely to prevent death or substantial harm or suffering are held legally accountable; and,
* the medical community should work with child advocacy organizations, government agencies and religious organizations to educate the public on legal obligations of providing appropriate medical care for children.
Currently, 46 states have religious exemption clauses within child abuse and neglect laws. Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts and South Dakota have repealed these clauses.
The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 51,000 pediatricians dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.
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