The Power of Prayer vs. Power of the Law

My Dear Believers in the Almighty,

On this site I accidentally found a link to the following news article which brought up a serious matter of concern and discretion. I would be interested in how religious teachers and believers would respond to the following situation:

OREGON CITY, Ore. (CBS/AP) When their daughter grew sick with pneumonia, Carl and Raylene Worthington, prosecutors say, did not take the child to the hospital. Instead, they prayed for the 15-month-old because of religious beliefs. Ava ultimately died and now the couple faces manslaughter charges in what is now being labeled as a prayer death.

A judge on Monday rejected defense arguments that claimed selective and vindictive prosecution. Clackamas County Circuit Judge Steven Maurer told lawyers for the Worthingtons that he had already determined the Oregon City couple had a duty to seek medical care for their daughter, Ava, despite their religious beliefs.

“There are limits, especially when it comes to the protection of young children,” Maurer said.


Recently there has also been another case involving treatment of a teenage boy, wherein his parents are adverse to it and want to rely on other remedies and prayer as well, I believe. A question has arisen as to whether the law should require the parents to allow the child to receive medical attention in regard to the child's rights , or would parental rights be denied if they are forced to do what they do not believe in. In both cases, where does the Christian stand in this moment of truth? I ask for your opinion in this matter as a matter of conscience and belief. Thank you for expressing your rationales.