Article October 23, 1989 Issue

Second Thought

Looking again at news and commentary

The Cincinnati Enquirer

"The conviction of Mr. and Mrs. William Hermanson of contributing to the death of their daughter has significance far beyond the Sarasota, Fla., courtroom in which their trial unfolded....

"Christian Scientists believe in the efficacy of prayer as a healing force, and the history of the church is full of instances in which seemingly miraculous cures occurred without medical intervention. ... To say that seeking spiritual healing amounts to criminal neglect, or worse, would seem to be asserting that Christian Scientists may not practice their faith, despite the First Amendment's clear mandate.

"As a practical matter, the Hermansons might have sought conventional medical treatment that failed to save their daughter. Who would have been guilty then? The parents? The medical practitioner? Or no one? Would it simply have been a case in which medicine failed?

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