To the Editor,

I read Giles Howard’s column, “Government funded faith healing neglects… To the Editor,

I read Giles Howard’s column, “Government funded faith healing neglects Constitutional restrictions,” and noticed some misstatements.

First, Howard’s assertion regarding the death of children under Christian Science care is incorrect. He attributes 172 deaths to Christian Science, which is grossly mistaken. I assume he was unaware that the study he is referring to covers many religions and faith groups. It is rare if a child dies under Christian Science care. There hasn’t been a case in the courts for more than two decades.

In addition, the goal of health care reform is to include all Americans. The spiritual care provision being discussed simply gives insurance companies the opportunity to decide whether to reimburse forms of care based on objective standards. The provision does not advance any religion, does not mandate that an insurance company must accommodate spiritual care and does not pay churches.

It might be helpful to know that Christian Scientists are under no mandate from the church as to what care they choose. For more than 140 years, individuals have chosen spiritual care and have experienced effective healing results. However, Christian Scientists are free to choose medical treatment for themselves and their children.

Sue Lowenberg

Christian Science Committee on Publication for Pennsylvania