Commonwealth v. Twitchell

Commonwealth v. Twitchell was a landmark legal case in the United States that highlighted the conflict between religious freedom and child welfare laws. The case took place in Massachusetts in the early 1990s and involved David and Ginger Twitchell, members of the Christian Science church, who were charged with manslaughter after their son, Robyn Twitchell, died from a bowel obstruction in 1986. The Twitchells had relied on spiritual healing practices in accordance with their religious beliefs instead of seeking medical treatment for their son.

Background

Robyn Twitchell was two years and nine months old when he exhibited symptoms of what was later diagnosed as a congenital bowel obstruction. His parents, adhering to their Christian Science faith, opted for prayer and spiritual healing methods rather than conventional medical intervention. Christian Science, a religion founded in the 19th century by Mary Baker Eddy, teaches that disease is a mental error that can be corrected through prayerful understanding of God's perfection and the non-reality of sickness.

Legal Proceedings

The death of Robyn Twitchell raised significant legal questions about the limits of religious freedom, particularly when it comes to the care of minors. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts charged the Twitchells with manslaughter, arguing that their failure to seek medical care constituted wanton or reckless behavior that resulted in their son's death.

The defense argued that the Twitchells were exercising their constitutional right to religious freedom and that they genuinely believed they were providing care for their son through spiritual means. The case brought to the forefront the tension between the First Amendment rights to religious freedom and the state's duty to protect children from harm.

Outcome

The trial court convicted the Twitchells of involuntary manslaughter, but the case was appealed. In 1993, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court overturned the manslaughter convictions, ruling that the state's child endangerment laws were not sufficiently clear for parents to know that their actions, taken in the context of their religious beliefs, could be deemed criminal.

The court's decision sparked a nationwide debate on the issue of religious exemptions to child welfare laws. In response to the case, Massachusetts amended its laws to remove religious exemptions in situations where a child's health or safety is at risk.

Impact and Legacy

Commonwealth v. Twitchell has had a lasting impact on the legal landscape regarding religious freedom and child welfare. It has been cited in numerous legal debates and cases concerning the balance between parental rights, religious practices, and the state's responsibility to protect minors. The case also prompted legislative changes in several states, reducing or eliminating religious exemptions in child welfare laws.

The Twitchell case remains a pivotal example of the complex interplay between religion, law, and medical ethics. It raises important questions about the extent to which religious beliefs can be exercised when they conflict with societal norms and legal standards aimed at protecting vulnerable populations, especially children.