They Chose Faith-Based Healing. Then Their Newborn Died of a Curable Condition — And They Say They Would Do It Again.

Parents Sentenced After Newborn Dies Over Faith-Based Healing Choice

A heartbreaking incident involving the death of a newborn baby has culminated in its tragic and devastating verdict. The parents, Joshua and Rachel Piland, found themselves in a Michigan court on June 11 receiving a sentence that could extend up to 45 years. The couple faced charges of second-degree murder and first-degree abuse following the demise of their daughter Abigail merely three days after she came into the world.

The somber events unfolded in 2017, as Abigail lost her life due to an elevated level of bilirubin in her brain. The Pilands were explicitly advised by their midwife to seek medical treatment shortly after Abigail’s birth when she was diagnosed with jaundice. However, the couple adamantly refused any medical intervention, citing their staunch belief in faith-based healing as the ultimate remedy.

Rachel gave birth to Abigail at home without any complications, only for concerns to arise the very next day when the baby exhibited signs of jaundice. The midwife, Sandra McCurdy, urged the parents to seek medical assistance, but their response reflected an unwavering faith in divine intervention. Defiantly, they chose to rely on their faith, believing that God would rectify any ailment as “God makes no mistakes.”

Tragically, Abigail passed away the following day, yet instead of seeking professional help, the Pilands opted to engage in prayer with the aid of friends. It wasn’t until several hours later that authorities were alerted, leaving little chance for medical intervention to save the newborn’s life. Despite the mounting tragedy, the couple persisted in their belief, with Joshua emphatically stating he would choose faith over medical expertise, placing his trust in the divine healing powers of Jesus Christ.

Subsequent investigations revealed the harrowing cause of Abigail’s death—a critical elevation of bilirubin in her brain, a condition that could have been addressed with medical treatment. The Pilands doubled down on their convictions, asserting their preference for faith-based healing over conventional medical practices. As a consequence, they not only lost custody of their other children but also faced further legal complications due to their unwavering faith-based stance.

The jury’s decision to convict the Pilands was underscored by concerns over the safety and well-being of their children. Despite the guilty verdicts and the ensuing sentencing, the couple remained resolute in their beliefs, prompting reminders of the potential risks posed to any future offspring under their care.

As the Pilands await their impending prison sentences, the haunting legacy of Abigail’s death serves as a stark reminder of the perils associated with unfaltering faith-based healing choices. The tragic outcome of this heart-wrenching case underscores the importance of balancing faith with practical medical interventions to ensure the well-being and safety of vulnerable individuals.

Navigating the delicate intersection between faith and healthcare remains a contentious issue, fraught with moral, ethical, and legal implications. The Pilands’ profoundly distressing ordeal serves as a poignant reflection of the complexities and challenges inherent in reconciling personal beliefs with the imperative of safeguarding human life, particularly in the context of vulnerable and defenseless infants.

In conclusion, the sentencing of the Pilands serves as a sobering illustration of the far-reaching consequences of faith-based healing choices and the critical importance of prioritizing the welfare and health of individuals, especially the most vulnerable members of society. May this tragic incident prompt a broader conversation about the delicate balance between faith, medical intervention, and the paramount duty to protect and preserve precious human lives.