Oregon parents charged in faith-healing death launch offensive
Friday, April 18, 2008 1:31 PM PDT
OREGON CITY (AP) — The Oregon City parents charged with letting their infant daughter die by relying on faith-healing instead medical care have pledged through attorneys to launch a counteroffensive to defend their religious freedom.
They also plan to create a legal defense fund, their attorneys said.
‘‘Our clients are not wealthy,’’ defense attorney Mark Cogan said. ‘‘We surely anticipate there will be folks who want to help these people.’’
He compared the Web site for Raylene and Carl Brent Worthington to those for other high-profile defendants, such as the Duke University lacrosse players who were accused and later vindicated in a rape case.
A 1999 Oregon law struck down religious shields for parents who treat their children solely with prayer.
Until now nobody has been prosecuted under the law. The couple appeared Thursday for a bail hearing in Clackamas County Circuit Court.
The courtroom was packed with friends, relatives and fellow members of the Followers of Christ Church, who believe in healing the sick with prayer rather than medical care.
On March 31, the couple pleaded not guilty to charges of manslaughter and criminal mistreatment in the death of their 15-month-old daughter.
Ava Worthington died at home March 2 from bacterial pneumonia and a blood infection, conditions the state medical examiner said were treatable.
Outside the courtroom, defense attorney John Neidig challenged the basis for criminal charges.
