Oregon Couple Sentenced 30 Days for Newborn Death from Withheld Medical Care

Blair and Taylor Edwards, members of the Followers of Christ Church in Oregon City, were sentenced to 30 days in jail and five years of supervised probation after pleading guilty to first-degree criminal mistreatment in the death of their newborn son, Hayden. The infant, born at home, showed severe distress signs including stopping eating, blue lips, and labored breathing, but the couple chose faith healing through prayer and anointing instead of seeking medical care, resulting in Hayden's death from acute bilirubin encephalopathy due to hyperbilirubinemia. The Edwards' case is the sixth prosecution of church members in Clackamas County linked to medical neglect, highlighting conflicts between religious freedom and child welfare laws. Prosecutors emphasized that religion is no defense for neglect or abuse and stressed the legal obligation of parents to protect their children. The couple acknowledged their failure and expressed regret, agreeing to seek medical care for their surviving children as part of their probation. This case continues to fuel legislative debates in Oregon about exemptions for religious practices in child healthcare.