Couple who believe in prayer healing charged in baby’s death
PORTLAND, Ore. — Two members of an Oregon church that shuns traditional medicine in favour of prayer and anointing the sick with oils were arrested Monday in the death of their premature baby.
Sarah Mitchell, 24, and Travis Lee Mitchell, 21, are accused of murder and criminal mistreatment. They have been under investigation since March, when Sarah delivered twin girls at her grandparents’ home. One of the babies had breathing problems and died a few hours later.
The couple are members of the Followers of Christ Church, which embraces faith healing.
Several members have been convicted of crimes for failing to seek medical care for their children, including Sarah Mitchell’s sister and brother-in-law. The deaths prompted Oregon lawmakers in 2011 to remove faith healing as a legal defence in murder and manslaughter cases.