Oregon Couple Tried for Death of Daughter

July 20, 2009

When their 15-month-old daughter, Ava, got sick, parents Carl and Raylene Worthington did not take her to see a doctor or medical professional. Though she had pneumonia and a blood infection that could have been cured with a round of antibiotics, young Ava’s parents believed that she would be healed through her faith.

Doctors have testified in the criminal neglect case against the parents, saying that the little girl could have been saved even hours before she died with a series of shots. However, the parents are members of a religion, which does not condone the use of modern medicine.

In the state of Oregon, an individual or family’s religion is not a defense in most criminal neglect cases. However, the fate of the parents rests in the hearts and minds of the 12-person jury set to determine their case.

They could face many years in prison for failing to provide their daughter with the treatment and medication that she needed to survive.