A couple who turned to prayer and olive oil when their two-day-old infant stopped feeding and began to show signs of distress have been sentenced to jail following the tragic death of their child.
Blair and Taylor Edwards, residents of Oregon in the United States, were found guilty of first-degree felony criminal mistreatment for neglecting to seek proper medical assistance for their ailing newborn, Hayden. Prosecutors revealed that the couple refrained from contacting medical professionals when they observed that Hayden was not eating and was turning pale blue.
Instead of seeking medical help, Blair, 37, and Taylor, 32, resorted to praying over their son and anointing him with olive oil, as disclosed in court proceedings. Deputy District Attorney Russell Amos emphasized that while the couple placed their trust in divine intervention, the state argued that modern medical science could have saved Hayden’s life if he had been taken to a doctor.
According to a medical examiner’s testimony, there was a high likelihood that Hayden would have survived if his parents had sought medical attention promptly. Despite being surrounded by loving individuals as he passed away, Hayden did not receive the necessary medical care during his critical hours.
The Edwards are linked to the Followers of Christ Church, a religious group known for prioritizing faith healing over conventional medical treatments. Reports indicate that numerous children from families affiliated with the church have died due to the reliance on faith healing practices.
During the court proceedings, Blair Edwards expressed regret and acknowledged the mistake of not seeking medical care for Hayden. He urged fellow church members to prioritize medical intervention for life-threatening situations to prevent similar tragedies.
As the state vowed to prosecute individuals who neglect essential medical care for children, Blair and Taylor were sentenced to 30 days in jail. Additionally, they are required to ensure regular medical check-ups for their children, maintain health insurance, and promptly notify their probation officer in case of any illness or injury among their children.
