Religion, Law, and the Medical Neglect of Children in the United States, 18702000

The book delves into the historical context of medical neglect controversies involving children in 19th-century America, highlighting the intersection of evolving medical practices and religious beliefs. It explores how the emergence of pediatrics and the child welfare movement prompted legal challenges against parents who prioritized faith over medical care. The rise of healing religions contested medical authority, leading to complex criminal trials that revealed societal tensions regarding science's role in child welfare. This multifaceted examination sheds light on shifting perceptions of children's needs and parental responsibilities.