| Topic: |
Religions > Atheism |
| User: |
"johac" |
| Date: |
28 Jan 2007 02:21:58 AM |
| Object: |
Parents object to newborn tests because of religion |
More $cientology looniness.
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Parents object to newborn tests
The Associated Press
WAHOO, Neb. Ray and Louise Spiering wanted to observe a period of
silence after their daughter Melyndas birth, but what they got was an
uproar.
To the Spierings, Nebraskas requirement that newborn babies undergo
blood screening within 48 hours of birth is an infringement on their
religious beliefs and their right to decide whats best for their
children. The couple attend a fundamental Christian church and follow
some teachings of the Church of Scientology.
The mandatory test, in which a few drops of blood are drawn from a babys
heel, screens for dozens of rare congenital diseases, some of which can
cause severe mental retardation or death.
Health officials testified in court that the requirement is one of the
states most cost-effective public health programs.
Some parents may not comprehend the risks they are taking with their
childrens health, said Bruce Rieker of the Nebraska Hospital
Association.The states Supreme Court ruled against the Spierings and
another couple, but last week they petitioned the Nebraska legislature
to make the law more flexible. The Spierings believe newborns are in
pain for at least 31Ž2 days, and dont want blood drawn which they
believe would cause more pain for at least that long.Nebraska along
with South Dakota, Michigan and Montana does not let parents opt out of
the testing.The Spierings wanted to avoid loud noises after Melyndas
birth, a concept that comes from the Church of Scientology.
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http://tinyurl.com/2l2gng
--
John Hachmann aa #1782
"Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities"
-Voltaire
Contact - Throw a .net over the .com
.
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