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

The book delves into the historical context of child medical neglect controversies in America, highlighting the intersection of evolving pediatric practices and the child welfare movement in the nineteenth century. It explores how parents faced criminal prosecution for rejecting medical care due to religious beliefs, amidst the rise of healing religions that questioned medical authority. The narrative reveals societal tensions regarding science's role in child welfare and the legal and public responsibilities toward children's health, shaped by diverse archival evidence and legal cases.