PROTECTING CHILDREN FROM THEIR PARENTS (9-2003)

Children are, by law and nature, utterly dependent upon 
their parents or guardians for the protection of their 
lives and well being.

That may seem like an obvious statement. Most parents do 
not need to be reminded of their obligations to their 
children. But, apparently, some do.

And I’m not referring only to those who beat or neglect 
their children. It’s obvious that those who choose not to 
take care of their children or, worse, choose to bring harm 
to them are criminals.

But some parents who love their children and want only the 
best for them also sometimes forget the simple rule that 
opened this column. Others believe they are giving proper 
protection when they, themselves, may be seriously 
misguided. 

That is why there are state and federal laws that are 
designed to protect children when parents choose not to, 
such as the child safety seat laws. Although many parents 
would voluntarily strap their little ones in when going on 
a trip, even a short one, many more would simply not 
bother. 

But children are often exposed to dangers from their own 
parents in ways that no legislation currently covers. 
Although it is against the law for an adult to drive a car 
containing unbuckled kids, it is perfectly legal for those 
same adults to smoke cigarettes in the same car with the 
same kids, even with the windows rolled up.

Is it carelessness, ignorance, or blatant disregard for the 
health and comfort of their children that causes parents to 
smoke around their children? There are probably different 
reasons for different groups of parents, but the results 
will still be the same – unhealthy and uncomfortable kids.

But, although smoking around children may be one of the 
most common forms of abuse that children have to endure 
from their parents, there is a less common but possibly 
more serious danger lurking in some households. And it is 
protected by the Freedom of Religion clause in the 
Constitution.

Some families practice a type of religion that stresses 
prayer over medical care in order to cure those who are 
ill. That belief, by itself, is just fine. It’s even ok if 
adults wish to put their beliefs to the test by choosing 
not to seek medical help even if they are seriously ill.

But, just as children do not instinctively know to buckle 
up when riding in a car, they do not know how to choose a 
religion. It is, therefore, up to the parents to expose 
their families to religious practices.

Ideally, since the world is full of religions, each one 
claiming to be the one and only way to Heaven, parents may 
choose to expose their offspring to several different 
religious beliefs so that when they reach the age of 
decision, they can make an informed choice.

More often, however, a child is brought up with only a 
single religious perspective. And that’s fine as long as it 
does not have the potential of bringing harm to the child. 
After all, a child is too young to make an informed choice 
regarding religion, so it is up to the parents to protect 
the child’s safety and health even if it means protecting 
them from the rituals practiced by their own religion.

When a child is seriously ill and needs medical attention, 
it is incumbent upon the parents to provide that child with 
immediate medical care, even if they would elect not to 
seek such care if they, themselves, were similarly ill. 
They should pray as much as they feel the need to, but not 
to the exclusion of medical help.

Religious freedom is one of the cornerstones upon which 
this country was founded. People have the constitutional 
right to worship in their own way, as long as their 
religious practices do not bring harm to others. That is 
the test.

If it becomes known that a seriously ill child is being 
harbored by parents who have chosen not to seek medical 
help, it is time for the authorities to step in. If the 
child ultimately dies due to the inaction of the parents, 
they should be held legally accountable.

It goes against nature itself for a parent to ignore the 
cries for help from an offspring in danger. And even 
parents who have been brainwashed by a religious cult 
should not suppress the instinct to do what’s best for 
their own children.

Danger comes in many forms. Whether it is from riding in a 
car, breathing second-hand smoke, or being the victim of 
religious zealotry, children are sometimes placed in danger 
by their parents. It is up to the parents to be aware of 
all the ways they may be unwittingly responsible for 
bringing harm to their children and take appropriate 
measures to remedy the situation.