The mandatory test, in which a few drops of blood are drawn from a baby’s heel, screens for dozens of rare congenital diseases, some of which can cause severe mental retardation or death if left undetected.In my opinion, I believe that testing is necessary especially when detecting diseases early at birth. Many life-threatening disorders, such as mental retardation, can be avoided when tested. I usually agree with "parents know best for their baby," but they need to know whats best for the child when it concerns the baby's health. After meeting and knowing children with diseases, early detection is very important to save lives. What are your opinions... Do you think it is right for states like Nebraska to force newborn blood tests without the consent of a baby’s parents?The Spierings wanted to avoid loud noises after Melynda’s birth, and also reduce the pain she experienced in order to protect her physical and mental health. The concept comes from the Church of Scientology — minimizing talking around someone who is in pain, said the Rev. Brian Fesler of Minneapolis, a regional representative for the church.
The church teaches that words spoken during moments of pain and unconsciousness affect physical and mental health later in life, he said. The church encourages silent birth, in which those attending avoid talking.
But the church doesn’t discourage parents from having their children tested, Fesler said.
One in every 837 babies born last year tested positive for one of the 34 diseases the state tests for, said Julie Miller, manager of Nebraska’s Newborn Screening Program. But the incidence is much lower for the eight most serious diseases, with one in 112,000 having biotinidase deficiency, which can cause developmental delays.
Monday, January 29, 2007
? OF THE WEEK: Do you think it is right for states like Nebraska to force newborn blood tests without the consent of a baby’s parents?
Faithful challenge newborn blood test laws
Parents argue state-mandated screenings violate religious tenets
In Nebraska it is required that newborns undergo blood tests within 48 hours of birth. Ray and Louise Spiering are challenging this law because they say it infringes on their religious beliefs. The couple practice fundamental Christianity and Scientology, saying, “that balance of our beliefs included into the births of our children.”
The test is mandatory in 4 states: South Dakota, Michigan, Montana and, of course, Nebraska. These states don't allow parents to opt out of testing.
The Spiering parents and another set of parents from Nebraska are taking this to the Supreme Court and Legislature to change the law, so that it will be more flexible when screening newborns.
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I am a Mother of 5 soon to be 6, and I know the health of my babies was always at the top of my list. I am fortunate to say that all of my children are very healthy. If there is a test to tell if there are any underlying diseases I would be the first in line. I am a christian and my husband is a Preacher, it will not go against any of my religous beliefs to check my baby for disease that are not noticeable. They need to realize that Doctors are smarter than us and they know the best for our babies! God Bless!
i do think its important and that states should have that right. i grew up in a religion that didnt believe in medical treatment at all....many babies lives could have been saved if they were forced to have tests. if the babies could speak they would want them
i'm christian too. and i care a whole lot about my baby's health. even if they have to ask for my consent i'll be asking them before they get to me to give my baby a blood test. so i do believe the states have the right.
I live in SD and I'm glad my state is one of the states that requires testing. I am a Christian and it doesn't interfere w/ my religion although I know there are other religions who don't believe in medical care and that God is going to heal their diseases. I think it's sad. I think God put Dr's on this earth to help us. I've seen the stories of children who died because their parents wouldn't get them the medical care they needed because they thought God was going to heal them and usually those parents end up in prison. I guess I'd prefer just to let my child be tested. But you can't force someone to change their religious views. Unfortunately it will be an ongoing battle I'm sure.
A basic tenent of almost all religions, at least those based on judaism, is that saving a life takes precedence over almost everything else. We are allowed to break Sabbath to save a life. If the life of a baby can be saved by a drop of blood tested at birth, then the test should be allowed by all religions.
God gave us medicine to help life- not to find other silly religions that prevent good. He also gave us the ability to talk in order to communicate and nuture one another in good and bad- not to be silent when a baby may need to hear a mothers soothing voice. Doctors are Gods gift to us and we should be appreciative of the gifts he gives us... especially a baby's health.
I have to agree with alot of the comments posted already. Christians are NOT against healthcare OR preventative measures. I dont know what religous beliefs these people have. Your either cristian or your not you can not have both christianity and another form of religion. ANYWAY i think in this case the law is right. IT was made for these type of people that care more about their OWN standard of "morals" (which in my opinion have nothing to do with the one true GOD) then to do what is RIGHT.
I am a 21 year old soon to be mom from ND and a strong Christian. And I feel that it is a parents choice on medical procedures. I hesitat in agreeing to anything that takes away the rights of a parent. We are a free country and I don't believe that a state has the right to tell parents what is best for our babies. I as a parent do not want to see my child suffer, but I don't want anyone(state) determining what is best for my child.
For a parent to say that they do not want their newborn to have a relatively painless test done to "preserve their physical and mental well-being" is bordering on stupidity. What would happen if their child DID have a disease that could be treated early without any ill effects but went un-noticed because of a simple test wasn't performed? What if the child had a disease that could cause permanent physical pain or even death that could have been treated and went undetected because the test wasn't done? Is that fair on the child? I have grown up in a religious family and we were always taught that life was precious. You do anything you can to preserve such a special gift, not to take a risk with your child's life because of a few drops of blood. If those few drops are causing such an issue, what are you going to do when your child skins his/her knee for the first time? That itself is far more painful that this test and you still lose a couple of drops of blood. True? But a skinned knee isn't life threatening but some of these diseases that can be picked up can be. What is more important? If your child's physical and mental well being is as important as claimed, get the test done.
I am a mother of 4 soon to be a mother of 5. I believe that the state should not force anyone to do anything that goes against their beliefs. People should be allowed to decide for themselves whether or not they want their children to be tested. The parents must live with the consequences. It is absolutely wrong to say that doctors are smarter than us and know what is best for our babies. Many babies have died because of docotors making mistakes and not knowing what is best for all babies. We are all individuals, and what works for one may not work for the other. Don't be naive. Read up and study for yourself what is best for "Your" child. Doctors are busy and don't always have time to read up on the most current information regarding our health and what is best for us. That is our job! That is why malpractice insurance is so high now. Because people put all their trust in the doctor and when he makes a mistake then everyone wants to sue the doctor instead of accepting that they gave the doctor the right to decide what was best for their child and in turn they gave up their rights as parents. Don't be naive people. If you want the test then fine, but don't give the state more power than they deserve. It is your child, not theirs!!!!
This is not about religion! This is not about if those particular parents chose to get the screening. It IS about a parents rights to their children. More and more rights are taken from parents. I would get the screening. Just the same as I always send a note to school if my child misses. However, I should not be forced to. It is my choice to worry about my children. No one else has the right. Does every mother out their forbid their children from walking down the stairs alone until they are six years old? No, every parent has their own level of comfort. If I don't let mine do it, and another mother does, isn't that the beauty of free choice? What is freedom if not free choice? Now when that other mothers three year old falls down the stairs and hurts herself I can be comforted to know that I was safe in my decision. However, I cannot tell that mom to do it my way. Think about all of the things you do when you parent that are different than other mothers. Shouldn't you be allowed to raise your children as YOU see fit?
Do we really need the state to protect us? Think about it, if your doctor; a professional; says it is needed, the person ignores the doctor, and the baby dies.... Doesn't that make that person stupid? Should stupid people multiply?? Let the state stop protecting those who are not smart enough to do it on their own. Thin the herd a little!
I think in this case it's not about the state protecting us, but about the state protecting itself. If a newborn isn't tested because, say, a hopsital doesn't want to spend the money on a child who doesn't have insurance. Then the parents could sue the hospital, and eventually the state would be blamed for not forcing the hospitals to give the test.
Too many people look at things as their rights and their choices are taken away, the reality of it is that this world has become so lawsuit-happy that one has to protect themselves.
The health of my newborn child will take presidence over all else. I believe the real question is...why wouldn't you want to??? Religous beliefs aside, if there was something wrong with your baby, why on earth would you not want to know so that you could help heal your child??? Would it truly be God's will to let the child die without giving it a chance? Doctor's are here to help us, not to hinder. So what if the state decrees it manditory? Does this then turn into a rebellion against the state...? It is our resposibility to do for our young what they connot.
Wow, reading all of those I cannot believe how many people are so trusting of the Government and doctors! Don't get me wrong, doctors are truely a blessing, but they do not know everything. You people have to get out there and do your own research when it comes to the medical field. The thought that so many people would just let the state decide what to do with their children is so scary. Yes it is a simple blood test, I am not against it, but so many people are so quick to give up their rights!! I want to keep mine!!
unless a parent is mentally retarded or wishing to purposly HARM their child the parent should have the right to choose for their child. Doctors do not AlWAYS know what is best for children.We should be careful about giving the government the huge responsibility and right to choose what is best for so many unique individuals. Although I personally think that those parents reasons are groundless and stupid, We as parents should guard our rights to choose what is right for our children.
unless a parent is mentally retarded or wishing to purposly HARM their child the parent should have the right to choose for their child. Doctors do not AlWAYS know what is best for children.We should be careful about giving the government the huge responsibility and right to choose what is best for so many unique individuals. Although I personally think that those parents reasons are groundless and stupid, We as parents should guard our rights to choose what is right for our children.
I think its rediculous not to get your child tested for potentially life threatening illnesses. I will even go as far as to say that your already not properly doing your job as a parent if you refuse this. I'm pretty sure "your god" is going to forgive you for making sure your children are ok!
I def have no objection with testing my babies for problems. My concern is not about whether or not to DO the test. Does it HAVE to be done in the first 48 hours of life?? Since I have a choice our baby will be receiving the test at it's first well check up. I don't think the state should be able to force us to administer tests on our children. This is a blanket procedure and is not necessary right away. Give the baby a few days to adjust to a completely different environment before we start poking and prodding it. Ether way it's our choice.
I have read some of the comments that others have posted and am shocked that so many would be willing to blindly allow medical procedures to be conducted on their babies. Alhtough my husband and I do respect medical professionals and the education the posses we also realize they are still human. They are swayed by biases and pressures from authority. Case in point we live in a state where the testing (although very closely state regulated) is not mandatory, however, we have been told that it is, by my Doctor. We don't beleive he is lying to us, we simply believe he has been misinformed.
As a Christians we feel it is my responsibility as a parent to understand why these "routine tests" are being done, there benefits and any potential consequences. Many may not realize that the PKU test if done prior to 48 hours after birth is not even accurate and is typically repeated at the first well baby check up at the dr's office. So now a newborn has been subjected to this twice.
As a citizen of the United States of America, where I believe we still have a Constitution, and I further believe it still allows me the freedom of choice, it should be my choice. Is that to say I will decline the tests. No, but my husband and I have educated ourselves about why the tests are performed and we believe that they do have benefit. However, in a country that is so focused on not forcing ones own views on others how can we make this test mandatory. What choice will they take from us next?
I hope that others who are reading these postings read all the way to the bottom, because the top section shows opinions of people willing to give up their rights to government and "Doctors who are smarter than us.." Maybe smarter than some of you, yes. Not everyone has their baby in a hospital with a Dr attending. Nor does everyone circumcise or vaccinate. Shouldn't health care decsions be left up to the parents? I don't want my government who supports the plethora of pharmaceutical companies who make billions of dollars enforcing their morals on me. Don't enough moms get coerced into numerous screenings during pregnancy! Our bodies are ours and parents should make any health care decisions for their children - not government!
i think that every parent has a right to let her child gete tested to discover any disease before it is too late.This should not have any belief in the way. If god did not want doctors to be a part of our lives he wouldn't place them there. I am a pentecostal and i will not witheld my child from any test. I have only a fifteen month old baby and i care about her health.
Regarding blood tests, recently my life changed. And I wish that more tests could be done. I have two beautiful & healthy daughters, and a son on the way. We found out that he had a hemorrhage in his brain before he was born. And that blood tests could have been done to prevent it. And now, after he is born, to find out more on his condition of low platelets more tests need to be done. Some babies don't hemorrhage and go through birth with this condition of low platelets (which is more common than it is known about)and have problems right after birth. If blood tests aren't done, serious problems could have been avoided. Or more importantly, parents can be informed and make the decision they see fit. I wish that more blood tests were done before the baby leaves the hospital. I don't believe in choices being taken away, but I believe in being informed.
As a parent, the one and most important thing that matters to me is the health of my family.
For me, I would rather know if there is something wrong with my children and if able, make sure they get the proper care they need to better their health. I don't think its about religion, nor is it about the goverment here. Why would you want to fight something that is in best interest of our children. If it is about Goverment,my opinion is this, there is alot of parents who need a shove in right direction in priority. this should be about the reasurrance of our babys health. If we can allow ourselves to not put them as top priority than we are neglecting our children. How can parents make that an arguement.
We all are parents and have different views on different things but im sure our babies and their lives are not one of them.Im sure we all feel the same.. If this about religion, I believe that when it is time for us to go,we can not argue it and can not stop it. God has his reasons to all things. Lets not make this about any issue though but our children. This is what the real issue is about. I think some people seem to miss that.
Not only am I a christian but a healthcare provider and believe the health of children should come first and foremost, the health of mine does. So maybe these parents should be saying, What about the right of my baby to live the healthiest and happiest life they can? These tests arent just for little things these tests can be the difference between life and death. I think all states should have the right to speak for the baby and do the necessary health screenings to keep them healthy.
I think the State should be allowed to force newborn screening. It's not the parent's rights we should be concerned about but the right of that child to have the quality of life that the rest of us enjoy. Some of the diseases screened for can cause severe mental retardation or death if they are not caught early, who are we as parents to say no to a test that can prevent those things for our child regardless of your religion. The love of your child should surpass any religious beliefs.
I think the state regulates the tests to help with insurance concerns as much as they do to help with parental concerns. In Missouri, a law was passed requiring a minimum of 48 hours stay in a hospital after a vaginal birth. This was because insurance companies were only covering 24 hours and it put mother and baby at risk. The same situation came about regarding blood tests. The State had to step in to make sure that insurance covered tests and to be sure that the uninsured were also given the tests. Unfortunately, States must step in when costs can determine what parents do or do not do for their child.
While I do not think states should have the right to interfere with certain aspects of parental right, I do think States should have the right to regulate screening. Some things that are tested for can save a child's life if detected before the mother and baby leave the hospital. Things like oxygen level in the blood, cholic, etc that are detected early can be treated before they create a problem (sometimes life-threatening) for the child later. It's unfortunate that States MUST step in but I believe if they don't, many babies would not receive the assessments that they need. I blame it more on insurance companies than some parents but State MUST step in to ensure that babies are screened properly.
i think its extremely important that states have these rules. whilst i am for choosing and not having my rights infringed upon, i grew up in a faith healing environment and saw several babies die for lack of treatment. these babies cant tell us what they want and while there is a balance i think the right of the children to lead healthy lives superceeds the parents rights.
As a parent you may have right to do anything you want under the pretext of religion or other beliefs to your own body but you cannot deny the newborn a chance of a healthy life. Many of the metabolic disorders which are screened for if diagnosed that early will avoid the baby from getting substances harmful to them and then avoid seizures, becoming mentally disabled. How can you not want to have that for you child???
I am an OB nurse and mother of 3.I have peformed hundreds of these blood test and I can testify that it is not a painful procedure. Most babies sleep through the blood draw and those that don't cry not because of the heel stick, but because of the unfamiliar and "ticklish" sensation of having something done with their foot. I live in California, and we test all babies. However parents can opt not to have the test done, but only after the pediatrician fully explains the ramifications of not having it done. I have also found that the parents who choose not to have the blood drawn have little or no medical knowledge and are so caught up in their own alternative ways that they refuse to listen and comprehend to the important information given to them.
im almost 5 months this is my first baby and although im only 18 i think its very idiotic not to get your child tested no i dont think they should do it within the first 48 hours but its important i wouldnt know how i would handle a baby with a serious illness like mental retardation i dont think i could. i know it has nothing to do with religion because im a christian and have been all my life and most christians i know believe in doing everything they can to help their childern i think its just the fact that they're doing it without the parents consent thats getting everybody worked up if people let go of their ignorance we wont have to feel sorry for people who have those illnesses i wish they did that years ago and im hoping they make them mandatory here in Minnesota
im almost 5 months this is my first baby and although im only 18 i think its very idiotic not to get your child tested no i dont think they should do it within the first 48 hours but its important i wouldnt know how i would handle a baby with a serious illness like mental retardation i dont think i could. i know it has nothing to do with religion because im a christian and have been all my life and most christians i know believe in doing everything they can to help their childern i think its just the fact that they're doing it without the parents consent thats getting everybody worked up if people let go of their ignorance we wont have to feel sorry for people who have those illnesses i wish they did that years ago and im hoping they make them mandatory here in Minnesota
I think it is a good idea to get your baby's blood tested after birth. It helps see if there are any unknown problems. But I highly disagree with doctors being able to force blood transfusions without parental consent. There are many other options that can be used other than that.
If the child is determined to have a medical condition, what is the state going to do with that information? Force treatment on the child, even if it's against the parents' religious beliefs or personal wishes? Inform the insurance company so they can raise premiums on the parents? While I personally wouldn't reject the screening for my child, I respect the rights of other parents to make decisions on behalf of their children, even if I disagree with those decisions personally - that is THEIR right as parents. If the government begins eroding those rights at birth - not only at the consent of the public, but at the DEMAND of the public - it sets a precedent for the government to make MORE decisions about what is best for our children, and diminishes parental rights and authority. My child is NOT a ward of the state, and as such, I expect to have the final say about what will and will not be forced upon my child.
I think it's degrading of the government to think we can't decide what's best for our children. Most of us Americans are smart, well-educated people. I'm sure that most of us can figure out what's best without have laws telling us what to do with our own children. The last I heard, I thought we were living in a FREE country. If we don't stand up for our rights, the government's going to start thinking for us. Our ancestors knew how to raise their children without being told what to do, I think we're capable of raising our children the same way.
WOW HOW MANY "PARENTS" HERE ARE WORRIED ABOUT WHAT IS RIGHT FOR THEIR NEWBORNS MORE THAN WHAT "THEY" DONT WANT TO BE TOLD TO DO?? YOU ARE ACTING LIKE CHILDREN.... I am absolutely disgusted in what I am reading. And one mother says read all the way to the bottom the ones at the top have uninformed decisions and will let a Dr do whatever. GROW UP PEOPLE!!! When you are the one with a child that has a curable disease and you passed on that simple little blood test you are not the only one living with that disease. Infact you dont have to live with that disease at all. And to those that say I would do it but its their choice NOT TO, your child is going to school with their child. In some cases all it takes is a skinned knee to infect, is your opinion the same then? When you made the choice to get the test and they didnt and your child still ends up with something that could have been prevented. How about during your pregnancy I know when my Dr asked me if I wanted the baby to be tested I approved everything, was that to painful for you to endure? Are these same people that are so worried about how this simple blood test is affecting their newborns standing there when the test is being done? Just as we stand there and they cry through their immunizations. I did, I was also there during the hearing tests, my children did not leave my sight from the second she was born till we left the hospital. What next? Should we fight the MMR shots? Why not the chicken pox vaccinations or flu vaccinations? How many children died this year from the flu?? Maybe you will be smart enough to figure out something is wrong when they have a fever and are miserable in pain. This is all about you being TOLD you have to do something and you are rebelling like a child that needs to clean their room. I agree that Drs are put here to help us not hurt us. How many people do you really know that have been hurt or mislead by a Dr? I hope they have mandatory paternity tests next. This world is getting worse and with people out there refusing the smallest of things to make it better what is the next generation going to be like? OUR CHILDREN ARE OUR FUTURE.
I am personally religious myself, but I have to say that if my newborn, or anyone, needed bloodwork, transfusions, etc, or anything else that may be against religion, I would throw aside my religion because my babies life does not deserve to end over some kooook misenterpreting the bible and telling me it isnt allowed.
The life of your child should be so much more important to you than a few words left to interpretation. Who honestly believes that God would rather you let your child die? Think hard people. What if in the end everything you believed turned out to be false? Imagine the regret and disgust you would feel towards yourself.
Again, I am religious, but I do not believe that any religion has the right to ask us to sacrifice life, especially that of an innocent.
I do not believe that mandatory testing is a good idea in the sense that most seem to have a time limit of 48 hours associated with it. I do not want my child to receive a vitamin K shot since they will develop this on their own within 8 days or so and I want all blood letting procedures, including tests to wait until they have this. Testing alone is not an awful idea, I just think that people who want to avoid unnecessary procedures like the vitamin K shot, should be given the time to do them at a later date.
I don't really have an opinion one way or the other on the mandatory testing. What bothers me the most is the article quote that says "Life threatening illnesses, like mental retardation...." My son has Trisomy 21, and he will be mentally retarded when he is born. We DO NOT CONSIDER THIS A "LIFE THREATENING" illness. Someone could stand to edit the writers a little bit. Thanks.
I too have a child that has what some would call mental retardation. Which like another reader said - is NOT a life-threatening illness!! I applaud states that require this testing mandatory. Our daughter is thought to have a metabolic disease. Although they have not been able to determine which one, many of the screens performed from the newborn blood tests can. The bottom line is that is saves lives! Our daughter actually had the newborn blood tests performed two times. It is a very simple heel stick which the baby will NEVER remember. My daughter had her heel stuck and regular blood drawn every week for the first year of her life and she is not traumatized by it. I think that people need to look beyond what one religion might say and consider the safety of the child the utmost importance.
I think that to say that nobody has the right to decide for you and your family is right, as long as your doing what is BEST for your family and not just using this as an opportunity to rebel. It is a balance between doing whats right and accepting advice from people who know better.
Of course it is fine! These people are challenging something they don't really know about. A friend of mine had a little boy who had these mandatory tests and thank God, they saved his life! If they had not found a rare metabolic disorder that he has, he would have probably died within weeks of birth. This family is Christian, and so am I. I firmly believe that God can and DOES use the medical advances we have today to bless us and we shouldn't be afraid to take reasonable advantage of them. These laws are in place to PROTECT newborn babies and their families and save lives, not to hurt anyone!
Yes, I think it is right. These tests are to protect & potentially save the lives of newborns, not to harm them. There are no side effects of these tests. As for the religious aspect of this, whether or not the doctors know best is really irrelevant. God is sovreign over ALL (including doctors and parents) and in the end, His will is not subjected to testing or not testing; but great freedom & peace is found in simply trusting Him with our children (after all, they are a gift from Him in the first place), whether we choose to have them tested or not.
I think its funny how this discussion centers around our rights as parents. What about the rights of our children? They have other rights that you could say "take away" our rights - and nobody argues those! They have a right to protection from abuse - physical and sexual - are you going to argue that as "intelligent adults" we have a right to choose whether or not we abuse our children simply because "we know what's right for them"? What about those people - and we all know at least one of them - who are completely lost when it comes to making the "healthy choice" for their kids? Should we have laws that only govern bad parents? By mandating that our newborn children are given a test, with no possible complications, to ensure their health immediately after birth - protects not only those children who have otherwise undectible life threatening illnesses, it also protects those children who have parents that would bring them home and not notice that they weren't eating enough to sustain a healthy weight gain. It protects those children who have the misfortune of being born to "intelligent adults" who can't be bothered to take proper care of their children!
If we know what's best for our children, than why are we arguing to take away their rights? Don't our children deserve rights the same as we do??
Keep the meddling govt away! Being "required" vs "available" are 2 different things!
Pretty soon they will have stripped away ALL parental rights, under the guise of Safety.
The road to Hell is paved with good intentions.
What about forced vaccinations for STD's? What about making it a 'law' that you HAVE to give birth in a hospital or face criminal charges?
It's a slippery slope and we are going DOWN HILL FAST.
I am a Christian expecting my first children in 4 months, and would hope that any tests that might prevent pain or suffering in their future, would be conducted at birth.
As for whether or not these tests should be mandatory, I'm amazed that it is even an issue. It would seem to me that most parents, regardless of religious affiliation, would want to protect their children.
However, looking from the standpoint of the state, there may be another reason they are looking to make these tests mandatory. Has anyone though about the COSTS associated with these undiagnosed/untreated diseases down the road? When a parent has a child with serious medical problems, and the insurance runs out, who pays the bill? Medicare/Medicaid? Social programs? Ie. Taxpayers.
I believe such programs should exist, however, if parents want to take advantage of those programs when the problems arise, they should at least mitigate the chances of those problems happening in the first place.
This isn't a matter of religon so much as it is a matter of governments right to take away an individuals free choice. This is a free country where people are able to believe what they want and live life as they want (providing that they are not hurting others!)
To have a government tell you that you have to do something is not okay in my book, but I do see why they are doing it. They are doing it to save the life of the child who the government is trying to protect (a child who may have no voice).
Will I get my child tested - most definetly - Do I feel that if you love your child you will want it to be tested and if positive cured from a disease that could cause it much pain later in life - Of Course!
I look at it like this - this test isn't going to be painful to a child yet the diseases that it will be saved from are. Doesn't every parent just want their child to be happy and healthy? Why not do a simple test to make sure your baby is healthy? I think parents that would opt out for this kind of testing are naive and think that bad things can't happen to them becasue they have faith. Well I have faith too, but I'm a realist at the same time and know that there are reasons why we are smart enough to cure the diseases that we can. God loves us and gives us the ability to make a decision to do what's right, but he won't blindly save us on faith alone - that's why he gave us brains.
I am a Christian and I am planning a water birth so I understand the concept of wanting as natural and unimpeded a process of child birth as possible. I'm all for the quiet atmosphere and what not. I also do NOT believe in blindly putting my health and well being into the hands of a doctor, who was schooled in an atmosphere provided and payed for by drug companies. It's important to ask questions and do your own research. I personally WOULD get the test but I feel that no one has the right to force the test on people. It's not as if they are testing for something that's contagious at birth. It should be offered as an option--and allow people to opt out of it--even if I would not myself. Blessings
I have been a Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse for my entire nursing career. Infants who are extremely ill with very low life expectancy pass through my unit on a daily basis. In Pennsylvania where I am a nurse, we do not ask the parents of these sick babies to test their infants for life threatening conditions, we just do the tests. When an infant is extemely sick and could possibly die, parents do not question anything that we must do to save their lives or to figure out how to treat them. It is when parents are fortunate enough to be blessed with a happy, healthy baby that they want to question simple tests that could help their children or save their lives in the future. I am a Christian and I have seen God's work every day in my unit and it never ceases to amaze me when He gives a miracle and an infant lives when it was unexpected. If God did not want us to find cures for infant illnesses and even adult illnesses He would have never helped us discover them. I have held a tiny life in my hands as it was given back to God and it does not make it any easier to help parents through a grieving time when you have no answers for them. Sometimes those tests hold the only key to helping families help their infants and themselves. I am currently 35 weeks pregnant with our first child and I have had many pre-term complications. If my child had been born early, I would have let the doctors do what they needed to save him. I trust that God is with them and will help my child through them as well.
Wow. I am floored by the responses of many of the previous posters! Granted, I live in a state where this particular test is recommended, and not mandatory. I agree with those who say that the states should not have the "right" to mandate the test...In any way, shape or form, medical procedures should not be "mandatory". That being said, however, I disagree with those who say that those of us for parental rights are stupid, and need to "grow up". Name-calling is quite unnecessary, and rather immature. Now, back to the issue at hand, which is this test. I do not know of any religion or Christian denomination that denies medical testing, but I know of several that will refuse other medical treatments, such as vaccinations, etc. I also firmly believe that God, in His infinite power and wisdom, provided us with doctors who, albeit being human, do want what they believe is best for our infants. They might not know everything, but, thinking about it, do we? Life is mainly a series of trial-and-error; there are many trials, many errors, and many, many more things that we do right as humans. This test was developed to help save lives, and yes, my dd had it done with my dh's supervision (at least, he was there in the room), and our next children will have it. It is my firm belief that God would want us to have this testing done, so that we can choose whatever medical treatment is necessary, or pray about the healing from a particular disease--if that be your wont to do. I have been taught to pray not just out of blind faith (which I often do), but in the bigger things that come up out of life to find out as much specific information as possible. In the case of disorders, cancers, etc., I would rather know as much as I can about the disease/disorder so I can help battle it, with medicine, prayer, or both. My friend's dad has a not-as-much-heard-of disease called Huntington's Disease, for which there is no treatment, let alone cure. It is a rare genetic disease which is a nasty degenerative neuro-muscular disorder which gradually shuts down the nervous system, which, when it progresses, also shuts down vital organ function. There is available a DNA test for it, but my friend believes one should be able to be tested for it anonymously, which is currently not permitted (there are very few centers in the US who do this testing, and Ohio State University is one of them). Fortunately, the PKU test is anonymous, or so I believe that the stats of names are not turned in to the gov't.
I am all for testing, but not mandatory medical treatments. Vaccines should not be made mandatory, yet Ohio is considering the HPV vaccine, which goes against our doctrinal beliefs (I won't go into it here, since it's a completely different topic). Dh and I declined the Hep-B vaccine, as well as the flu shot, and the chicken pox vaccine. Why? the Hep-B also goes against our doctrinal beliefs in the same way as the HPV. The flu shot because we've known more adults and children who have had problems with sickness after the injections were administered, and the strain of flu targeted is not always accurate--why add that to your child's body unnecessarily? The chicken pox vaccine, well, I've known several children who had it administered to them and they resulted in shingles within a year. Shingles is more painful than chicken pox, and both dh and I were fine after having the pox. Will we be judged by others for not allowing our children to have these vaccines? Sure, we will, just as it's in our nature to judge others for their parenting styles.
Now that I've rambled on and on, I hope I've said something that has made some sense.
Personally, I would want the test for my children, but I believe in the right to religious freedom, perhaps to a fault. While it is extremely important to ensure the baby's health in the first several months of life, I believe it is an important, undeniable right of any human being to follow his/her religious beliefs unhindered. Even, and especially, where it concerns any child(ren) they may have. Obviously there is a line between religious freedom and harming another person, but this is not crossing that line. Again, if it were my baby, I would have the tests done, but I would want my religious beliefs in raising a child respected by the government. Separation of church and state. Plain and simple.
I grew up in a home where we did claim religious exemption from many "standard" medical procedures such as immunizations, etc. I am perfectly healthy today and have never had any issues, and in fact have had far less than many children whose parents were fanatical on the other extreme. I would never force my background and beliefs on others, yet I do feel that the parents do have the right to make their own decisions about these blood tests. Yes, doctors can have wisdom and be helpful, but they are not the end all of wisdom. States should NOT have more authority over choices for children than their own parents, especially if no harm is being done. We can't autorize them with almighty power when we are just being "cautious" or whatever. Our country was founded on the principle of freedom and abandoning the almighty power of government. It's not my place to advise the parents either way, but I would certainly vote for them to have the LIBERTY to decide, if it is for religious reasons or just plain American freedom.
I do not think that the state has the right to make decisions about your child in this regard. I did have the blood test for my newborn personally, but it was hard to let them prick him when he was so new. I think it is up to the parents to do what they think is best. That might not always include the social norm. I don't think the state always know's what is best in every situation, and I want to reserve my right to decide!
I am about to be a first-time mom and although I somewhat agree to the testing, it goes against my husbands beliefs that he was raised on. The doctors do not take into account the simple fact that YOU are the parent and ultimately will choose the best path to leading a healthy life. It needs to be put in the hands of the parent once again. In Maryland we undergo a mandatory paternity test. I have been fighting this law for a while. The doctors and lawmakers are taking away our rights as parents.
I noticed a woman said " Doctors are smarter than us" As a medical student let me be the first to tell you that IS NOT true. Sure, we have had many years of education ( I am in my 7th year total) and people that enter medicine do tend to have a thirst for knowledge. Let me tell you NO ONE knows your child better than you do!!! I can't tell you how many creepy male medical students there are in first year, my girfriends and I often joke that being a doctor is as close as these guys will ever get to touching a woman. Now that I am a mom I realize how important it is to advocate for my child. I have told emergency room doctors to "go to hell" when it came to the health of my child. The internet is a great source for educating yourself on medical care for your child----you should NEVER hesitate to question any medical professional. As I tell my niece never be afraid of being a called a b!t@h, be afraid of being "too nice"!!!!!
I LOOK AT IT THIS WAY,WHAT'S MORE IMPORTANT CULTURAL BELEIEFS OR HEALTH.I THINK THAT PARENTS ARE SELFISH IF THEY ARE CONCERNED MORE ABOUT CULTURE INSTEAD OF THE GAGYS HEALTH,!!
I think parents should be aware of it just to make sure it's definately only a blood test, but I wouldn't want a doctor to tell me that my child has something wrong with her when there isn't, just so they can make $ off of it, or that they haven't done good enough testing on my child, and then find out my child has been using medicine 4 nothing, but I would prefer them to take a blood test just to make sure she has no diseases, and it's really stupid to base your child's life from a religion, your child's life is more important than any religion, I don't care who you are or what you believe in, and I don't think you can have more than 1 religion anyways, christianity is completely different from scientology, those ppl aren't right in the head for saying that because-Christianity has nothing against health. Lives are more important and always better than any religion.
This issue is a very emotive one, and I personally think we need to step back from it a little.
I do not feel that religion should be the cited reason for disagreeing, as I also have perfectly valid reasons for disagreeing with the mandatory nature of such tests.
The concern I have is in the government's need to legislate over everything, and in this context of children, making decisions about how we disciplinne childern (abuse should never be tolerated) i.e. should I feel the need, I should be able to make the decision to smack my todlers hand (as a last resort)for extreme behaviour. I should also have the final say in any medical intervention at all, and in most other medical situations, this is indeed the case.
Having said all that I will be the first in the queue for the infant blood test in 4 weeks time, but feel it is my decision to get it done.
I think that having the baby sted now will maybe save them more pain in the future. It is just a little pin prick. I know if my child had a condition when they were little would not only help me but would help them in the future.
We live in Maryland.And maryland performs PKU testing on infants.I am a mother of 2 and 1 on the way. I delivered my first child in 2000. He was a beautiful Boy. He had some issues with deliery. But when they did the PKU it came back that my child was one of the statistics. He tested positive for Biotinadaise deficiency. Which can cause mental retardation,deafness,blindness, and alopicia if it is gone untreated. He has be on a supplement of Biotin since he was just weeks old. I think that it is great the the states do this and if you ask me it should be mandated by all states. If you can take care of your children and make sure that they can have a somewhat normal life in society the way it is now YOU SHOULD. And believe me god doesn't see it as wrong.
As a pediatric nurse in a very busy children's hospital I can't tell enough people to test their babies. It is a simple pin prick, does it startle the babies, yes, it is woth it, even more. There are some diseases that need treatment within hours of being diagnosed, because the more time that passes the more damage that is done. Why would anyone deny their baby the chance to have the best outcome. I'm sorry but those are the same people that when their baby dies or has serious complications instantly blame everyone but themselves. I've seen it first hand. That is why malpractice insurance is so high because we have so many people that are not willing to take responsibility for their choices. The reason it's mandatory is to make sure that all babies get tested, including the ones that may have parents are ignorant regarding the vital importance to checking for some of these diseases. I'm about to have my baby in a couple of weeks and I would not dream of denying him the chance to be checked and get proper medical treatment if he needs it.
I think that any test that is done should be the decision of the parents. Just because a family does not want testing done, it does not mean that they don't love and care for their child just as much as every one else. The United States is supposed to be the land of the free. There should be no required testing forced upon families that wish not to have it done.
I think that it is there choice. We should not take that freedom from a parent.... what next? What will they say you HAVE TO DO next. Like, how the whole breastfeeding issue has gotten out of hand. We should have the freedom to raise our kids in the healthiest way possible.
If there child ends up having a problem, then they will deal with it when it comes. We should not judge when we think it would be best for a parent to find out something like that. God is in control and no one is with out problems. We all want to do what is best for our children. What if it was you? Would you like to be forced to do something you don't believe in?
Parents should always have the last say. I personally think that not having your child tested is insane, but it is not for me or the government to make that choice for someone else. If we allow the states to take away the parent's right to choose in this case, where will it end?
If it helps save a life, then why not? A child cannot speak for theirselves and obviosly these kinds of parents aren't on the right terms when it comes to their childs well being. Some of the metabolic disorders they test for (if caught early enough) only need a simple change in the infants diet to prevent liver damage, mental retardation, coma, or ever death. I think it's worth it to save your child's life. All it takes is a heel stick and a couple drops of blood (that's it for the screening tests). I think if the parents can't make a desision for the well being of their children then the state should absolutely be allowed to intervine. These screening tests SAVE the LIVES of BABIES. Of course its right!!!
In reading a lot of these posts, I start to get angry, and then I remember that I can't judge people based on their opinions and beliefs. We all have them. I, like the next person, am all for freedom of choice, but in this case, you have to look at whose choice it really is. So many people think that, as a parent, they have every right to make every decision in the childs life. That is true, they do. But as a child, he/she did not chose to be brought into this world, that was a choice made without his/her consent; therefore, that child deserves everything from you as a parent, including the right to live a normal, healthy life. I went to college (not saying I'm better than anyone) for nutrition and we had extensive lectures on newborn screening. Before you opt out of this simple blood test, I BEG YOU to do some research and find out exactly why and what your child is being tested for. Something I noticed in some posts (sorry if this was answered, I stopped reading the last 10 or so):
Why do they need to be tested within 48 hours?
-the baby is tested 48 hours after birth because metabolic diseases do not show up until they have had a chance to properly digest food. If there are abnormalities, they can be caught only after digestion, and they can be treated. It is not necessary to do it immediately after the first bowel movement, however, if you don't, your child will, in some diseases, accumulate toxins in their blood causing all sorts of damage such as neurological, retarded growth, inablility to bond..etc. Hospitals do these tests in order to alleviate any type of suffering and to allow the child to get the best care possible if tested positive.
In this matter, personal beliefs aside, knowing about the types of disorders tested for and what they do to your child, I would think and hope that as a parent you would do this simple test. If you are against them AFTER you know what is tested for and why, then God help your child. Some things outweigh others, and in this case, your babies life, until they are able to decide what is right for themselves, outweighs the parents opinion. PLEASE DO THE RESEARCH BEFORE YOU "FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHTS"!!!! Then remember whose rights you're fighting for.
I am the mother of six soon to be seven and a christian. I know that a couple had their baby taken by the state for six days for not doing this test as well as for exclusively breastfeeding. If you allow the government to make the decisions for your child where does it end. The child was found to be perfectly healthy by a physician and their other five children were never taken so obviously there was no abuse. This is an outrage is this America?
I think that the tests should not be forced on parents but they should have a choice and also get educated on it. The should be told what exactly it is and then give them the choice to do it. I personally think it is no harm at all and should be done but it should not be forced. The parent will live with their choice whether good or bad. As far as the constitution goes for the one comment on free choice, free speech as so on... that has mostly been taken away (in CA). But to the point on this subjet, the parent should have the right to choose what they wish with their child. And the choice I hope is to get the tests done!
Where do we draw the line? If parents are coerced into blood test for "life threatening" conditions, what will come next? Should other tests and procedures become mandatory like circumcision simply because some doctors feel it is necessary to preserve the health of the infant? Should women automatically be forced to have a Cesarean simply because doctors feel the process of labor and vaginal birth is too time consuming and unpredictable? We choose every day what our children will eat, wear, watch on TV (if at all), what town to live in, school to attend, even what religion to practice. Are those not the rights of parents? What if the government decided that Scientology, or Judaism, or Catholicism were not formidable religions and forced parents and children to practice another belief? Is it the right of the government, or the right of the parents, to raise our nation's children? When does the government cross the line?
No you can not change any one's religious beliefs. And I know God has the power to heal any living being on this earth. So I wouldn't care one way or the other. And if her God can do anything she would not care as well. Also the Bible say's to render unto ruler the thing that are ruler and unto God the things that are God. So if the law says all babies should blood tested than get the blood test or go to jail.
I am a christian mother of two and one on the way and believe that in some cases it is good for the government to have a hand in what happens in society, especially when it comes to children. Just because you give birth to a child does not make you a great parent and some parents need extra help when making decisions about their child. You also need to take into account that these test are done for a reason and that is to let you know ahead of time what serious illnesses your child might have and be able to prevent damage to your child's health. I know a mother whose child tested positive on the PKU test and her child could have sufferd serious damage just from what she feeds her, had she not have known this before leaving the hospital. Some parents aren't educated enough on these topics and that is when the government should step in and make every child go through these tests, regardless of religion, for the childs sake.
I think that it should be left up to the parents. It's not that invasive or dangerous in my opinion, but it is a matter of opinion. People have their opinions for a reason. No one should say that there is a right or wrong when it comes to a parent's decision. It doesn't seem like these parent's are being selfish and all they want to do is protect their baby in their own way. No one wants to be told what to do with their babies, I don't, so how is it fair for them to be told what to do? I would personally do the tests. It would benefit the baby later on in life maybe. I am not a believer in vaccines however. It's such a touchy subject that I don't think will ever meet in the middle. Let the parents be.
I strongly believe that parents should have the right to choose which tests and screenings are done on their children. I, personally, would like to know if my child was affected with an illness or curable disease, and I would opt to have my children tested, but I think the states are overstepping their bounds by imposing this as a requirement.
With proper education, I believe most parents will make the right decision and have their children tested, but it is not the state's place to deny parents the right to choose.
i am reading these comments and so many of us are missing the point. it has nothing to do with religion/coltism or the government taking the rights away from parents or any other far out nonsense. it is ultimately about the welfare of the child. the fact that these parents are willing to let some man made colt tell them that this is disturbing the mental and physical well being of the child is proof again of how so weakminded we as people are. No one ever said that Doctors know everything, they are human just like us and they are bound to make mistakes because they only have knowledge as far as the mind can comprehend when it comes to medical treatment. what these people are not willing to admit is that these doctors know more than them on the scale of medicine and prenatal and post natal care. Did these "scientologist" object to the testing that was involved to preserve the life of their unborn child. I think not. Scientology is not a religion, and show me proof where is says that medical examinations or testing of any kind immediately following the birth of a child disrupts their mental and physical developement. think about it, studies have shown that the fetus after 5 months in the womb can respond to noises outside of the womb, recognizes the sound of their mothers eating, heartbeat, voice and any music they may hear, not to mention they can respond to light and dark. I am sure that these scientologist (this practice of coltism has only been in practice or widely known for about 3/4 yrs now) when they were born the delivery room was in an uproar immediately following their birth are you trying to tell me that they suffer/suffered from mental and physical stability. That doesn't make any sense. Babies thrive on human interaction, socialization, stimulization. Scientology is the use of science and theories created by man to try and understand the unexplained phenomenon that goes on in the world. It is not based on the teachings of God or his messengers, they may use the bible as a reference to counteract the workings of God, but in no way can man fully understand or comprehend why things happen the way they do, so to try and have it make sense to them they come up with this new found perspective on life called "scientology". i.e. science can half way explain the big bang theory, a star exploded yada yada, but how did the star get there. Science can't explain that part. Being Christian, or Jewish or whatever has no bearing on whether or not one believes in medical treatment, because some of us can't get pregnant on our own, and with the help of technological advances, i am sure religion goes right out of the window when people want to have children. with that comes the responsibility one has as a parent to be grateful for what god has made happen, because though man injected the eggings in the lining God decided as to whether or not that egg would survive and become a little bundle of joy. Let us not forget that when we wish to bicker over something as menial as a blood test to assure that your child is able to survive life outside of the womb.
Let's get our heads out of our rears, and not be hypocrites when it comes to the use of medicine. it is not about your rights as a parent, these test are not going to tell you how you choose to raise you r child from a parental perspective, they only determine whether or not your child is going to survive life outside of the womb, you'd think that would be important enough. Let us not be control freaks to the point where we jeopardize the future health and well being of the child, that is not a good road to start on to being a good parent.
I have not immunized my children and receive grief for it at every Doctor visit. One time the nurse said to me, "If you've never gotten immunizations for your children then how do they stay so healthy??" I said, "Why, you see a lot of Polio" The truth is I'm not against parents who choose immunizations or tests or choose not to for that matter. I'm against everyone believing it is ok to be forced into a deciscion either way. It is okay for the state to strongly suggest it and spend millions or billions to promote it. I have only a problem with their mandating it. When the state donates DNA, conceives, grows, gives birth to my children for me.... I will allow them to make the descicions for my children for me as well.
every act of tyranny since the dawn of time has started with the phrase "it is for the greater good." it is MY job as a parent to decide what, where, when, and how to raise MY child. and no doctors do not know what is best for every person. it is your job to ask questions, research and make up your own mind. it is busybody-laws like this that not only undermine civil liberties, freedom, AND our constitution but they tie the hands of good doctors who DO know how to treat and listen to their patients as individuals and not sheep.
I am a soon to be mother of my first child. I know that I will personally request every test available to make sure that my little one will have the best opportunity possible. However, if it interferes with their religious beliefs there is no reason the test should be performed. After all is that not what our country was built on, the freedom to practice our religious beliefs with condensation or oppression? In addition to everything else it sounds like the only problem these parents have with the testing is that it has to be done shortly after birth. Is it not possible to wait for a month for this testing to be performed?
I believe that parents have the right to decide which tests are to be done on their children.
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dina123
South Dakota Alcohol Addiction Treatment
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