Currently, Ohio’s laws allow for physically and/or mentally ill children to be refused proper medical care by their parents if the parents claim a religious exemption. When a child is denied the care they need by their parents, it is abuse and neglect, and the parents should be criminally charged accordingly. All of Ohio’s children deserve to grow up to lead healthy and productive lives.

We ask Governor John Kasich, the Ohio House of Representatives, and the Ohio Senate to stand up for these abused and neglected children by changing 2919.22 (A) of the Ohio Revised Code to remove the language “It is not a violation of a duty of care, protection, or support under this division when the parent, guardian, custodian, or person having custody or control of a child treats the physical or mental illness or defect of the child by spiritual means through prayer alone, in accordance with the tenets of a recognized religious body.”