PORTLAND, Ore.-Two parents who chose spiritual healing over medical care for their 15-month-old daughter will go to trial on manslaughter charges June 23.
Carl and Raylene Worthington’s trial was originally scheduled to start Tuesday (Jan. 27) but was delayed to accommodate the schedule of a defense witness.
The Worthingtons’ daughter, Ava, died at home in March 2008 of bacterial pneumonia and a blood infection, conditions that could have been treated with antibiotics.
The Worthingtons belong to the Followers of Christ Church. The Oregon City congregation shuns doctors, hospitals and standard medical care in favor of spiritual healing, such as prayer and the laying on of hands.
The Worthingtons are related to Jeffrey and Marci Beagley of Oregon City, also members of the church, who face charges of criminally negligent homicide in a separate case, the faith-healing death of their 16-year-old son, Neil.
The boy, Raylene Worthington’s brother, died of complications from a urinary tract blockage in June 2008. The Beagleys’ trial was to begin on June 23 but will be rescheduled for a later date.