368,379 people killed, 306,096 injured and over $2,815,931,000 in economic damages

What's the harm in being a child?

This is the saddest page on this site. Most of these children were not hurt by their own action, but by those of their parent or guardian. Some of them never had a chance.

Here are 18,910 people who were harmed by someone not thinking critically.

S.M. Abbott Age: 5

Benton County, Minnesota Abused, tortured

August 1994 After her mother was killed in an accident, she behaved abnormally. Her parents used "holding therapy" (aka attachment therapy) to treat her. She was hospitalized for weeks. Custody of the girl was eventually awarded to her maternal grandmother. Read more

Woyah Andressohn Age: 5 months

Miami, Florida Died (malnutrition)

May 15, 2003 Her parents follow a strict diet of uncooked organic foods for religious reasons. She weighed a fraction of what she should at her age. Her parents were cleared of manslaughter charges, but were convicted of neglect of their other children. Read more & more

Saundra Arnold Age: 13

Sacramento, California Died (untreated intenstinal blockage)

1964 Saundra was ill for 18 days with an intestinal blockage before she died. Her mother, a member of the Church of the First Born, was convicted of manslaughter. Read more

Lorie Atikian Age: 17 months

Ontario, Canada Died (malnutrition, pneumonia)

September 25, 1987 Lorie's parents, concerned about modern food additives, were advised to give her an organic vegetarian diet. She was also treated with herbal & homeopathic remedies and an energy machine. Her parents were convicted of neglect. Read more

Karen Avery Age: 7

Kirtland, Ohio Murdered

April 17, 1989 The Avery family joined a Mormon splinter group led by a self-declared prophet when they moved to Kirtland in 1987. They were brutally murdered by the leader of this cult. Read more

Rebecca Avery Age: 13

Kirtland, Ohio Murdered

April 17, 1989 The Avery family joined a Mormon splinter group led by a self-declared prophet when they moved to Kirtland in 1987. They were brutally murdered by the leader of this cult. Read more

Trina Avery Age: 15

Kirtland, Ohio Murdered

April 17, 1989 The Avery family joined a Mormon splinter group led by a self-declared prophet when they moved to Kirtland in 1987. They were brutally murdered by the leader of this cult. Read more

Cameron Ayres Age: 6 months

Fulham, west London, England Died

May 1999 Cameron was born with a rare but treatable disorder, but his parents distrusted conventional medicine. A nurse/homeopath begged them to take him to a doctor, but they refused. He died. Read more & more

Rachel Barezinsky Age: 17

Worthington, Ohio Shot, severe brain injury

August 22, 2006 Rachel and her friends decided to go ghost hunting near a local haunted house. They didn't realize the owner of the house did not like visitors, and owned a gun. She ended up with a gunshot to the head and a long hospital stay. Read more & more & more

Justin Barnhart Age: 2

Beaver Valley, Pennsylvania Died (untreated Wilm's tumor)

September 1981 Justin's parents belonged to Faith Tabernacle. They withheld medical care for his abdominal tumor until grew larger than a volleyball. Caught early, this type of tumor is curable 90% of the time. They were convicted of manslaughter. Read more

Amanda Bates Age: 13

Grand Junction, Colorado Died (untreated diabetes)

February 5, 2001 Her parents knew she was sick, and prayed for her. What they didn't know was she was diabetic. They never called for medical assistance until she was already dead. They later pled guilty to negligent child abuse. Read more

Neil Beagley Age: 16

Gladstone, Oregon Died (heart failure)

June 17, 2008 He had a congenital condition that could have been easily treated. Unfortunately his family belongs to a church that believes in faith healing rather than medicine. He died. His cousin (Ava Worthington) also died in related circumstances. Read more

Allyson N. Bergmann Age: 9 months

South Bend, Indiana Died (untreated bacterial meningitis)

June 7, 1984 Allyson contracted a disease that is medically treatable. Her parents belong to Faith Assembly, which rejects medical care in favor of prayer. Allyson died and her parents were convicted of reckless homicide. Read more & more

Michael David Boehmer Age: 4 days

Lake City, Florida Died

March 15, 1990 Michael suffered a hemorrhage, and lost at least a quarter of his blood. His parents put cotton in his nose and prayed for him. The medical examiner later said he had a 90% survival chance if he had just been given a Vitamin K shot. Read more & more

Catherine "Cat" Elizabeth Bresina Age: 17

Wheatridge, Colorado (from Wisconsin) Cardiac arrest

March 25, 2004 Cat's family took her to Colorado for what they thought was an inventive therapy for her disease. An injection she was given during the treatment caused her heart to stop. Charges were later filed against the naturopath. Read more

Nancy Brewster Age: 7

El Paso, Texas Died (untreated cancer)

September 29, 1963 She got a lump on her neck at 5 and soon was too sick to go to school. A Christian Science practitioner prayed for her and said the illness was an illusion. When she died there was no funeral and the family never spoke of her again. Read more

Daniel Brown Age: 4

Parrottsville, Tennessee Orphaned

October 3, 1998 Both parents were killed in snake handling ceremonies, three years apart. Daniel is now orphaned and living with grandparents who still practice snake handling themselves. Read more

Jacob Brown Age: 7

Parrottsville, Tennessee Orphaned

October 3, 1998 Both parents were killed in snake handling ceremonies, three years apart. Jacob is now orphaned and living with grandparents who still practice snake handling themselves. Read more

Jeremiah Brown Age: 7

Parrottsville, Tennessee Orphaned

October 3, 1998 Both parents were killed in snake handling ceremonies, three years apart. Jeremiah is now orphaned and living with grandparents who still practice snake handling themselves. Read more

Jonathan Brown Age: 12

Parrottsville, Tennessee Orphaned

October 3, 1998 Both parents were killed in snake handling ceremonies, three years apart. Jonathan is now orphaned and living with grandparents who still practice snake handling themselves. Read more

Sarah Brown Age: 5

Parrottsville, Tennessee Orphaned

October 3, 1998 Both parents were killed in snake handling ceremonies, three years apart. Sarah is now orphaned and living with grandparents who still practice snake handling themselves. Read more

Ian Burdick Age: 15

Sherman Oaks, California Died (untreated diabetes)

November 10, 1987 A Christian Science nurse practitioner was treating Ian, but but he had juvenile diabetes. He was 5' 8" tall but only 87 pounds when he died. Read more

Amy Burney Age: 5

Staten Island, New York Murdered

April 27, 1997 Like many small children, Amy was prone to tantrums. In an attempted exorcism, her mother and grandmother tied her down and forced her to swallow a toxic potion and taped her mouth shut. They were charged with second degree murder. Read more

Antonio Campos Age: 5 months

Los Angeles, California Died (untreated cancer)

Antonio's mother looked for an alternative to the painful chemotherapy treatments he needed for cancer. She found a clinic using a energy medicine machine. Antonio died anyway. Read more & more

Desiree Camren Age: 3

Cushing, Oklahoma Died

February 1987 The medical examiner said that her life could have been saved with medical help, but her parents claimed their religious beliefs prevented that. They were sentenced for second degree manslaughter. Read more

Kira Canhoto Age: 2

Kitchener, Ontario, Canada Died

January 15, 1995 Her parents and grandmother thought she was possessed by a demon, so they attempted an exorcism. They forced her to drink huge quantities of water. The grandmother, mother and a neighbor were convicted of manslaughter. Read more

Amora Bain Carson Age: 13 months

Henderson, Texas Died

December 2, 2008 They believed the child was possessed and tried to rid her of demons. They allegedly bludgeoned her and bit her more than 20 times. She died. Her mother and a man were arrested and held on $2 million bond. Read more

Lucas Ciambrone Age: 7

Bradenton, Florida Murdered

May 13, 1995 Prosecutors said that Lucas had been starved, bitten, beaten and forced to sleep in an empty bathroom. This was claimed to be "attachment therapy" for the adopted child. The mother was convicted of murder. Read more

Victoria Climbie Age: 9

Tottenham, London, England Died

February 25, 2000 Victoria's mother asked a relative to take her from Ivory Coast to Britain so she would have a better life. Because she thought Victoria was possessed by witches, the relative mistreated and tortured her. The relative pled guilty to manslaughter. Read more & more

Libby Cooke Age: 4 days

Brandon, South Dakota Died (untreated pneumonia)

December 1978 Religion (End Times Ministries) Read more & more

Eric & Laura Cottam Age: 14 & 12

Nuangola, Pennsylvania Died / malnourished

January 4, 1989 Though they had $3,600 available, their parents believed the money "belonged to God" and refused to spend it on food. The entire family was malnourished from a purely vegetarian diet. When Eric died, the parents were charged with homicide. Read more & more

Terrance Cottrell Jr. Age: 8

Milwaukee, Wisconsin Died

August 22, 2003 Diagnosed as autistic at 2, he was a problem child. Church members thought he was possessed by the devil. In an exorcism he was held down for two hours until he suffocated. The pastor was sentenced to prison, but never admitted guilt. Read more & more

Jessica Crank Age: 15

Loudon, Tennessee Died (untreated cancer)

September 15, 2002 A medical clinic told Jessica's mother to take her to an emergency room. Instead, she took her home to pray over her. She died. Charges of abuse were later dismissed. Read more & more

Makeisha Dantus Age: 3 months

Fort Lauderdale, Florida Died

February 14, 2004 She was given a mixture of alcohol, salt, water and sugar (a Haitian folk remedy) for fever and diarrhea. She died. Her parents were convicted of child abuse, spent three years in jail, and were ordered to speak to fellow Haitian-Americans about it. Read more

Isabella Denley Age: 13 months

Kew, Victoria, Australia Died (untreated epilepsy)

October 19, 2002 Isabella was prescribed medications for her epilepsy. Instead of using them, her parents consulted an iridologist, an applied kinesiologist, a psychic and an osteopath. She was being treated purely with homeopathic medication when she died. Read more & more

Maya Devi & her baby Age: 28 / newborn

Uttar Pradesh, India Died

April 23, 2008 Because she is considered an "untouchable" in her country, she was refused treatment at the local hospital at a medical college. She gave birth outside, and the baby died within minutes. She died the next day. Read more

Brittney Dorcy Age: 2

Vancouver, Washington Murdered by her mother

June 12, 2004 Brittney's mom suffered from severe depression. Her medical treatment for this was very successful and lauded in a local news article. But she decided to discontinue medication and treat herself with St. John's Wort. A tragedy resulted. Read more & more

Jessica Dorcy Age: 4

Vancouver, Washington Murdered by her mother

June 12, 2004 Jessica's mom suffered from severe depression. Her medical treatment for this was very successful and lauded in a local news article. But she decided to discontinue medication and treat herself with St. John's Wort. A tragedy resulted. Read more & more

Travis Drake Age: 14

Grand Junction, Colorado Died (untreated ruptured appendix)

1982 Religion (Church of the First Born) Read more

Tyrell Dueck Age: 13

Martensville, Saskatchewan, Canada Died (cancer)

June 30, 1999 He got bone cancer in his leg, but rejected amputation and chemotherapy. Instead he sought alternative and herbal therapy in Mexico. The Saskatchewan government sued to force conventional treatment. The cancer spread and he died. Read more & more

Emmanuel Dutoit Age: 3 months

Morin Heights, Quebec, Canada Murdered

October 4, 1994 He and his parents were brutally murdered, and then home was burned. They had been members of the Order of the Solar Temple, a fringe religious sect. Read more & more

Micaiah Edwards Age: 15 months

Spanaway, Washington Died

July 1991 Religion (Traveling Ministries Everyday Church) Read more

Linda Epping Age: 8

Los Angeles, California Died

December 29, 1961 Linda was scheduled for surgery to remove a tumor, when her parents met a chiropractor who said he could cure her. He had her swallowing up to 124 pills a day for months. He was convicted of second-degree murder in 1967. Read more

Roberta Evers Age: 6

Bayfield, Colorado Died

June 13, 1998 Before being adopted, Roberta had suffered from fetal alcohol syndrome, abuse, depression & insomnia. Her foster parents took to restraining her in her bed at night. She died in that bed, and they were convicted of negligent child abuse. Read more

Dominik Feld Age: 9

Siegen, Germany Died (untreated cancer)

November 2004 His parents chose an alternative treatment for his cancer involving vitamin and mineral doses. The government tried to intervene. The boy eventually died. Read more

Patrick Foster Age: 1

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Nearly died of untreated tumor

May 1997 He got sick around Christmas, and his parents prayed. Their church did not permit them to take him to the doctor. Fortunately a neighbor saw the gaunt and listless boy and told the authorities. He was hospitalized and a 6 pound tumor was removed. Read more

Melinda Sue Friedenbeger Age: 18 weeks

Altoona, Pennsylvania Died (starvation & dehydration)

April 25, 1991 Religion (Faith Tabernacle) Read more

Michael Tony Futi Age: 14 days

Honolulu, Hawaii Died

February 8, 2008 He was being flown from Samoa to Hawaii for emergency heart surgery, but overzealous customs officials detained him and his caretakers for several hours. He died in a customs room at the airport. Samoan officials are calling for an investigation. Read more

Dane Gibson Age: 12

Inglewood, New Zealand Murdered

May 17, 1994 After attending a fundamentalist church, they became convinced they were surrounded by demons. The boy had been held down in the yard as part of an exorcism. They were found not guilty of murder. Read more

Micha Giesbrecht & "Natalie" & 4 others Bad Salzuflen, Germany Incurable encephalitis (SSPE), measles

1999 The 11 year old son of anti-vaccinationists was brought to the doctor with measles. Several other children in the waiting room were infected with measles via this exposure. Two developed SSPE, a chronic progressive encephalitis that is often fatal. Read more & more

Seth Ian Glaser Age: 17 months

Culver City, California Died (bacterial meningitis)

March 28, 1984 Religion (Christian Science) Read more

David Glatzel Age: 11

Brookfield, Connecticut Exploited by psychic investigators

1981 Exorcism Read more & more

Warren Trevette Glory Age: 18 days

Grand Junction, Colorado Died (untreated meningitis & pneumonia)

February 1999 He died of meningitis and pneumonia days after birth. His parents were prosecuted for child abuse and sentenced to probation. Read more

Yelena Godlevskaya Age: 17

Riga, Latvia Died

September 6, 1996 She was hit by a car and suffered a fractured pelvis. She refused a blood transfusion because of her Jehovah's Witness faith, so doctors could not operate. Eventually doctors forced her to take one, but she still died. Read more & more

Chad Green Age: 3

Scituate, Massachusetts Died (cyanide poisoning)

October 12, 1979 His leukemia was in remission via chemotherapy, but his parents sought out alternative therapy anyway. When he showed signs of cyanide toxicity (from laetrile) he was made a ward of the state. He later died. Read more & more

Jessica Albina Hagmann Age: 2

Manassas, Virginia Died

August 11, 2003 She was adopted from Russia, but had problems adjusting to her new home. Her mother got a book on Attachment Therapy and used the techniques to calm a tantrum. The girl was smothered to death. The mother got probation and a suspended sentence. Read more

2 Hansen adoptees Age: Pre-school

Saratoga Springs, Utah Denied food

February 2002 These two adopted Russian children had their food withheld, sometimes for days at a time, as discipline. The parents were charged but avoided jail time. Read more

Judd Eccles Hardy Age: 17

Salt Lake City, Utah Attempted suicide

1999 The family’s Mormon beliefs did not allow for homosexuality. Judd was enrolled in reparative therapy and stopped attending church with the family. After he attempted suicide, the family broke with their church and supported gay rights publicly. Read more

Roxanne Lee Heiser Age: 7

Liberty Hill, Texas Denied food, medical care

January 5, 2000 She begged for food at school and was found rummaging through garbage for scraps. Her father and stepmother had denied her food and medical care. They were convicted of negligence & served two years. Read more

Amy Hermanson Age: 7

Sarasota, Florida Died (untreated diabetes)

September 30, 1986 Amy was a talented little girl who had diabetes. Her parents are Christian Scientists and were unaware. She eventually died of complications, and her parents were convicted of a crime, which was overturned on appeal. Read more & more

Sonia Hernandez Age: 4

Lake City, Florida Died (untreated pneumonia)

September 27, 1990 Sonia was never a healthy child, she had a brain disorder and numerous health issues. Then her parents joined End Times Ministry and stopped taking her to the doctor. When she died she was 4 but weighed only 14 1/2 pounds. Read more

Joseph Hofbauer Age: 9

New York Died (untreated Hodgkin's disease)

1980 His parents skipped conventional therapy for Laetrile and metabolic therapy. A court fight ensued which the parents won, but the boy died of his disease only 2 years later. He had a 95% chance of 5-year survival with conventional treatment. Read more

Bethany Hughes Age: 17

Calgary, Alberta, Canada Died (leukemia)

September 5, 2002 Bethany's leukemia required (among other things) blood transfusions for treatment. Her father wanted her to do this, but she and her mother were Jehovah's Witnesses and refused. A divorce and custody case tore the family apart, and Bethany died. Read more

Brittany & Tatianna Jacks, N'Kiah & Aja Fogle Age: 17, 11, 6 & 5

Washington, D.C. Murdered by their mother

December 2007 Police found their bodies in their mother's apartment while serving an eviction notice. When arrested, the mother claimed the girls were possessed by demons. Read more

Christine Jessop Age: 9

Queensville, Ontario, Canada Investigation of her abduction delayed

October 3 - 18, 1984 When she was abducted, psychics and dowsers flooded the police with tips to her location. Meanwhile a credible eyewitness report of a girl struggling in a car went uninvestigated for weeks. An inquiry concluded the investigation was botched. Read more

Kira Jinkinson Age: 11 months

Bloomsbury, Central London, England Misdiagnosed gastroenteritis

October 22, 2000 Kira had an upset stomach. Her doctor used dowsing to choose a homeopathic remedy, claiming that geopathic stress patterns beneath her home were to blame. The baby was later found to be suffering from gastroenteritis. The doctor was disciplined. Read more & more

Harrison Johnson Age: 2

Tampa, Florida Died (untreated wasp stings)

1998 Harrison was stung by wasps while his family was visiting church friends. They prayed over the boy but did not seek medical help because they believe doctors practice witchcraft. When an EMT was called 7 hours later, the boy was beyond help. Read more & more

Josh Johnson Age: 13

Georgia False accusations of abuse

1994 Josh's parents were contacted by a police detective investigating allegations made through facilitated communication. There was no supporting physical evidence, but the family spent their life savings defending themselves. Read more & more

Makiesse Jonas Age: 10

Uige, Angola Abused, shunned by his family

December 12, 2006 From the age of six, family members accused him of witchcraft. What followed was years of abuse, including being almost burnt alive. An uncle saved him and put him in a church shelter. Read more

Dakota Jubb Age: 20 months

East Village, New York City, New York Fractured ankle

January 10, 2007 His father is raising him as a "lifefoodarian". When he fractured his ankle, his father did not take him to the doctor, but fashioned splints from chopsticks. City officials intervened, taking custody of the boy. The father released a press release. Read more

Juliana Keys Age: 6 months

Columbia City, Indiana Died (twisted bowel)

Religious cult (Faith Assembly) Read more

Cassandra Killpack Age: 4

Springville, Utah Died (water intoxication)

June 10, 2002 Cassandra had temper tantrums, and her adoptive parents sought out attachment therapists. During an "intensive" session, she was fed a lethal amount of water, and she died. Read more

Elizabeth Ashley King Age: 12

Phoenix, Arizona Died (untreated bone cancer)

June 5, 1988 Religion (Christian Science) Read more

Oscar Kituyi Age: 15

Bungoma, Kenya Genitals mutilated

March 2005 The AIDS epidemic in Africa has spawned many quack cures. Oscar was attacked in the belief that his genitals could be used to make an HIV/AIDS potion. Read more

Helena Rose "Rosie" Kolitwenzew Age: 8

Columbus, North Carolina Died (untreated diabetes)

October 21, 1999 A naturopath convinced her mother to stop administering insulin to her, in favor of herbal remedies. She began vomiting, and died. It turns out his "degrees" were fake. He was sentenced to prison. Read more & more & more

Debra Ann Kupsch Age: 9

Wisconsin Died (untreated diptheria)

1982 She contracted diphtheria at a Christian Science camp in Colorado, and died shortly after arriving home. Many children at the camp were unvaccinated. The CDC had to spend thousands to track down the other children from the camp. Read more

Chayya Lal Age: 16

Asharita, Sarangpur, India Suicide

September 9, 2008 She was traumatized by TV programs about the opening of the Large Hadron Collider, which talked about the end of the world. Her parents told her not to worry and diverted her attention to no avail. She drank a pesticide from her father's farm. Read more & more

Tovia Laufau Age: 13

Mangere, South Auckland, New Zealand Died

September 1999 His parents were told he had a 70% chance of a full recovery from bone cancer. They left the hospital never to return. The cancer spread to his lungs, and the tumor on his leg grew to 30 pounds at his death. His parents got a suspended sentence. Read more

Kris Ann Lewis Age: 13

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Died (untreated bone cancer)

June 1981 When her Christian Scientist mother heard the diagnosis of bone cancer at the hospital, she insisted they were wrong. The girl was treated by a church practitioner. The hospital tried to intervene, but Pennsylvania has a religious exemption law. Read more

Dennis Lindberg Age: 14

Mount Vernon, Washington Died (refused blood transfusion)

November 28, 2007 Dennis was a Jehovah's Witness, and refused blood transfusions. Unfortunately they are essential to treating leukemia. His parents fought in court to force the treatment, but Dennis won the case. He died. Read more

Mitchell James Little Age: 18 days

Raymond Terrace, NSW, Australia Died (untreated heart defect)

September 25, 1999 A naturopath perscribed herbal remedies & energy machine treatments for a congenital heart defect, and advised against surgery. The baby died, and the naturopath was sentenced to five years in jail. Read more & more

Keenan Littlefield Age: 10 days

Cortez, Colorado Died (untreated bowel obstruction)

1998 Religion (faith healing) Read more

Jason Lockhart Age: 9

Enid, Oklahoma Died (ruptured appendix)

1982 He died of a ruptured appendix. His parents were charged with manslaughter, but acquitted due to Oklahoma's religious exemption law. The law was later changed as a result of this case. Read more

Lucas Long Age: 0

Cory, Colorado Died during breech birth

1987 During childbirth, his mother was attended by unlicensed midwives. The baby had breathing problems shortly after birth, and the church elders were called to pray. "We believe in divine healing" said the grandmother. Read more & more

Ian Lundman Age: 11

Minneapolis, Minnesota Died (untreated diabetes)

May 9, 1989 Ian had juvenile diabetes, but his family were Christian Scientists, and prayed over him. He eventually died. His father, who had left the church, sued for wrongful death. This was the first such suit to go to a jury. Read more & more

Areni Manuelyan & her mother Age: 9 months

Staines, Surrey, England Died (malnutrition) / suicide

July 5, 2000 She died of a chest infection brought on by malnutrition, due to the fruitarian diet she was fed. Her parents pled guilty to child cruelty. Wracked with depression over the incident, the mother later committed suicide. Read more & more

Logan Lynn Marr Age: 5

Chelsea, Maine Died

January 31, 2001 Logan had behavioral issues, and "attachment therapy" was chosen to treat her. Her caseworker went so far as to duct tape her to a chair. She suffocated, and the woman responsible was convicted of manslaughter. Read more

Viktor Alexander Matthey Age: 7

Union Township, New Jersey Died

October 31, 2000 Viktor was an adopted child who had behavioral issues. His parents duct taped his mouth, locked him in a room and mistreated him in other ways. The "attachment therapy" community supported their actions, but they were convicted of crimes. Read more

Noah Maxin Age: 11

North Canton, Ohio Died (cancer)

May 17, 2007 His parents stopped his chemotherapy three months into a 3 1/2 year plan. A court fight ensued over this decision. They won the right to treat him holistically with diet and vitamins. His cancer returned and he eventually died. Read more & more

Malissa Mayfield Age: 29

Sydney, NSW, Australia Murdered

June 19, 2006 She met a couple who shared her belief in psychic powers and the supernatural. The man told her he could remove her bad demons by sleeping with her (which he did). When she tried to sever contact, he strangled her. She leaves two daughters behind. Read more & more

Katie McCarron Age: 3

Morton, Illinois Murdered by her mother

May 13, 2006 Influenced by those who believe childhood vaccines might cause autism, Katie's mother felt extreme guilt over vaccinating the autistic child. This led to a depression, and the death of the child at her mother's hands. Read more & more

Infant McCourt Age: 0

South Carolina Died (prolonged delivery)

July 1987 According to the coroner, the baby died due to lack of oxygen because of prolonged delivery. The county pathologist said the baby most likely would have lived if the mother had had prenatal care and medical attendance at delivery. Read more

infant McDowell Age: 0

Billings, Montana Died

January 1979 Religion (End Times Ministries) Read more

Will Meyers Age: 16

Lake City, Florida Gravely ill for 7 months

October 22, 1990 Will had a variety of health problems that went untreated, and his weight dropped from 135 to 90 pounds. Finally his parents took him to a hospital and a heart operation saved his life. They were charged with felony child abuse and put on probation. Read more

Danielle Miller Age: 17

Charlottesville, Virginia $3,600

April 2008 Although she is well aware of online scams, when she received an email titled "Job Offer" it seemed legit. The job was to cash checks. Now she's out $3,600 and embarrassed she fell for it. Read more

Charity Miranda-Martin Age: 17

Riverhead, New York Murdered

January 1998 In attempt to rid her of demons, her mother and sister allegedly suffocated her with a plastic bag. They were charged with murder. Read more

Caleb Moorhead Age: 6 months

Auckland, New Zealand Died (malnutrition)

March 2001 Calebs parents, devout Seventh-Day Adventists, tried to feed him using a vegan diet and herbal remedies. He died of a Vitamin B12 deficiency. His parents were sentenced to five years in jail. Read more & more

Alex Dale Morris Age: 4

Oregon City, Oregon Died

April 16, 1989 He had fever and congestion. Members of his church anointed him with oil and laid hands upon him, praying for 46 days. A medical examiner later said the boy would have been "overwhelmed with fever and pain" and basic antibiotics would have cured him. Read more & more

Janet Moses' cousin (minor) Age: 14

Wainuiomata, New Zealand Hospitalized, nearly died

October 12, 2007 During Janet Moses' exorcism, she suffered corneal damage as relatives scratched at her eyes. Read more & more

Manik Murphy Age: 15

Donabate, County Dublin, Ireland Suicide

September 12, 2007 This good student had read Nostradamus and believed the world would end in 2007. The family talked with her about it, but weren't concerned. When she received some disappointing grades at school, she committed suicide by jumping in front of a train. Read more

Abubakar Tariq Nadama Age: 5

Portersville, Pennsylvania Died

August 23, 2005 In a attempt to "cure" his autism, Tariq was given chelation therapy. His heart stopped. The practitioner was brought up on charges, which were later dropped. Read more & more & more

Madeline Kara Neumann Age: 11

Weston, Wisconsin Died (untreated diabetes)

March 23, 2008 She suffered from a treatable form of diabetes. Her parents chose to pray over her instead of taking her to the doctor. They are now charged with second-degree negligent homicide in her death. Read more & more & more

Candace Newmaker Age: 10

Lincolnton, North Carolina Died

April 18, 2000 Candace was removed from her birth home for neglect and adopted by a couple in Colorado. The sought out Attachment Therapy for her behavior issues, and she was suffocated during a session intended to simulate childbirth. Read more & more & more

Clayton Nixon Age: 9

Altoona, Pennsylvania Died

January 6, 1991 He got an ear and sinus infection that caused severe vomiting. His family belongs to a church that believes the Bible opposes all medical and surgical practice. He died weighing only 32 pounds. His parents were charged. Read more

Aaron Norman Age: 10

Spokane, Washington Died (untreated diabetes)

December 1987 He died of untreated diabetes. His family belongs to a church that believes "sickness is a result of sin and a wicked lifestyle." His father was convicted of manslaughter. Read more

Carla Northrup Age: baby

Wilmot, Indiana Died (untreated pneumonia)

1983 Her family belonged to Faith Assembly, a church whose death rates among infants was 270 percent higher than the statewide average. Read more

Jordan Northrup Age: 4 months

Redding, California Died (meningitis, pneumonia)

January 1991 Religion (Church of the First Born) Read more

Signifagance Oliver Age: 4

Washington Heights, New York, New York Died (drowning)

November 13, 2001 Her mother was charged with murder after telling police that she was trying to exorcise the child of demons. The child drowned. Read more

Sylvester Orieso Age: 5

New Cross, Greater London, England Murdered

November 1997 His mother strangled her five year old son in an attempt to drive out demons. She kept his body in her home for days believing he would be healed. She was committed to a psychiatric unit. Read more

Michaela, Caleb, Zion & Lily Parker Age: 11, 9 and 3

Scottsdale, Arizona Malnourished for years, family broken up

April 23, 2005 Their parents fed them a vegan diet and subjected them to enemas, under the direction of a naturopath who had never seen the children. The mother was sentenced to 30 years, the father awaits sentencing. Read more & more

Wesley Parker Age: 11

Barston, California Died (untreated diabetes)

1971 An itinerant preacher had declared the boy healed. He later died of untreated diabetes. Read more

Aqsa Parvez Age: 16

Mississauga, Ontario, Canada Murdered by her father

December 10, 2007 Aqsa grew up in a Muslim family in Toronto. She disagreed with her father over whether she should wear a traditional head scarf in Canada. He murdered her in a rage. Read more

Domingos Pedro Age: 12

Uige, Angola Beaten, abandoned by his family, now homeless

2004 Accused of witchcraft Read more

Bo Phillips Age: 11

Oregon City, Oregon Died (untreated diabetes)

February 23, 1998 He had a diabetic crisis, but he was treated with liquids, prayer and anointings. When a detective asked his father why he was allowed to die, the father answered, "It was my choice." Read more

Andrew Pinkham Age: 3

Orinda, California Died (untreated pneumonia)

Andrew got pneumonia, but his parents refused to take him to a doctor. They and a Christian Science practitioner prayed at his side. He died. Read more

Jack Piper Age: 5

North London, England Bowel perforated in 12 places

1998 Jack was subjected to a needless colonoscopy that perforated his bowel and left him gravely ill. This was alleged to be a treatment for his autism. The hospital publicly apologized and the doctors involved were investigated. Read more

Ryan Pitzer Age: 2 months

Died

1978 Ryan was given potassium chloride for colic, based on the advice in a book. After the boy died, his parents sued the publisher and the book was taken off the market. Read more

David Alexander Polreis Age: 2

Greeley, Colorado Died

February 11, 1996 The adopted boy from Russia had temper tantrums and other behavioral problems. His parents adopted "attachment therapy" to deal with him. They boy ended up dead. The mother was sentenced to 18 years in prison. Read more

Rosanna Porras Age: 15

Fillmore, California Died

April 9, 1998 Rosanna dropped dead at soccer practice after taking an herbal product containing ephedra. Her parents received a $25,000 settlement. Years later, the substance was banned. Read more

Daniel Rae Age: 7

Santa Barbara, California Pertussis (whooping cough)

2004 He was vaccinated against pertussis, but vaccines are never 100% effective. He caught the disease from an unvaccinated playmate. "He was as sick as any child I've ever seen," his mother said, and he had to take drugs for four years to recover. Read more & more

Monika Rani & Rajesh Kumar & son Age: 22, 36 & 3

Markham, Illinois Murdered (arson)

December 29, 2007 Her father was upset that she had married someone of a lower caste, and her husband had not asked permission. He set fire to the apartment complex, killing three and leaving dozens of others homeless. It was said to be an "honor killing". Read more & more

Billy Ray Reed Age: 3 days

Grand Junction, Colorado Died (untreated congenital heart defect)

July 2000 He died soon after birth of a common congenital heart defect. His parents belong to a church that believes in prayer rather than medicine. Read more

Trevor Rhiner Age: 17

Des Moines, Iowa A year of unnecessary treatments

2003 Trevor saw a chiropractor for back pain and numbness in his legs. He was diagnosed with a series of problems and told to take a year of treatments, paid up front. A second opinion from a doctor said there was nothing wrong with him. The family sued. Read more

John David Ricks Age: 9 months

Kimmel, Indiana Died (untreated bacterial meningitis)

April 7, 1990 His parents were members of Faith Assembly. When he got a treatable infection, they never sought medical care. He died within days. Read more & more

Natalie Rippberger Age: 8 months

Santa Rosa, California Died (meningitis)

December 9, 1984 She contracted meningitis, which can be treated with a 92% success rate. But her parents hired a Christian Science practitioner. She suffered for two weeks and died. Both parents were convicted of felony child endangerment. Read more

Samuel Robidoux Age: 11 months

Attleboro, Massachusetts Starved to death

April 26, 1999 His father was the leader of a sect that rejects modern medicine. Samuel was fed only with breast milk, but since his mother got pregnant again there wasn't enough to nourish him. He starved to death. His father was sentenced to life in prison. Read more & more

Joel Romine Age: 20 months

Wilmot, Indiana Died (emphysema)

March 1989 His parents "do not believe in seeking medical treatment and instead prayed at home for the child's recovery." He died of emphysema. Read more

Katie Ross Age: 16

Las Vegas, Nevada

She was suffering from colitis but her mother chose to treat it homeopathically. She was down to 50 pounds when child services intervened. She was hospitalized and her colon had to be surgically removed. A judge ruled neglect. Read more

Ronald Rowan Age: 11

Tallmadge, Ohio Died

1979 The medical examiner concluded he had been ill for at least a week. He was too weak to expel vomitus from his mouth and asphyxiated. His parents were Christian Scientists. Read more

infant Ruzicka Age: 0

Brandon, South Dakota Died

February 1981 The mother was in labor for four days and had convulsions. The baby was stillborn. Read more

Amina & Sarah Said Age: 17 & 18

Lewisville, Texas Murdered by their father

January 1, 2008 Their father was Egyptian, and critical of American lifestyles. He became upset with their dating and murdered them in an "honor killing". Read more & more

Kimberly Sartore Age: 1

Alaska Died (untreated meningitis)

1969 She died of medically untreated meningitis. Her father was convicted of manslaughter, but his conviction was overturned and expunged from his record when Alaska pased a religious exemption law. Read more

Michael Schram Age: 12

Mercer Island, Washington Died (ruptured appendix)

1979 He died from a ruptured appendix after several days of prayer and "spiritual healing." His mother is a Christian Scientist. Read more

Eliza Jane Scovill Age: 3

Los Angeles, California Died

May 15, 2005 Her HIV-positive mother refused to take HIV medications while pregnant and did not have the girl tested. She told Air America the girl was very healthy. Seven weeks later she was dead of AIDS-related pneumonia. Read more

Carie & Joshua Sealy Age: 12 days, 15 months

Lansing, Michigan Died (untreated pneumonia)

March 11 & 20, 1982 She was born at home and was jaundiced and having seizures, but her parents did not seek medical help. He was sent in for court-ordered surgery to remove a large tumor in his abdomen when the court intervened after her death. The father was convicted Read more

Budour Ahmad Shaker Age: 12

Minya, Egypt Died

June 2007 She died of an overdose of anaesthetic while undergoing a female circumcision (female genital mutilation). Her death led Egypt to ban this practice entirely. Read more

Crown Shakur Age: 6 weeks

Atlanta, Georgia Died (starvation)

April 25, 2004 His parents were vegans and tried to feed him a diet of mostly soy milk and apple juice. He weighed only 3 1/2 pounds when he died. They were sentenced to life in prison. Read more & more

Lisa Sheridan Age: 5

Cape Cod, Massachusetts Died (untreated meningitis)

1967 Religion (Christian Science) Read more

Malka Sitner Age: 1

Ashdod, Israel Died

May 28, 2006 Police believe her parents disregarded a doctor's prescription of antibiotics and took her to a homeopath instead. She died. Because autopsies are forbidden amongst her family's ultra-Orthodox sect, an angry mob stole her body and secretly buried it Read more

Breeann Spickard Age: 5

Baldwin Park, Los Angeles, California Murdered

July 5, 1996 She was beaten to death during an exorcism performed by her mother and two other women. All three women were convicted of murder. Read more

baby boy & baby girl Still Age: 0

Germantown, Pennsylvania Died

February 1989 Deborah Still gave birth to twins without aid of a doctor or midwife. They were six weeks premature, but this is 95% survivable in a hospital. The girl died within 8 hours and the boy died the next day. Read more

Matthew Swan Age: 16 months

Detroit, Michigan Died (spinal meningitis)

1977 Christian Science practitioners repeatedly told Matthew's parents he was being healed, while his spinal meningitis raged on. When he was finally hospitalized, it was too late. His parents went on to create CHILD, Inc. to educate the public. Read more

Angela Sweet Age: 7

Olathe, Colorado Died (untreated appendicitis)

June 1990 Religion (Church of the First Born) Read more & more

Iice Swinton Age: 16 months

Queens, New York City, New York Malnourished

November 2001 Her parents fed her a strict vegetarian diet and the results were disastrous. When she was taken into custody she had rickets, couldn't move, and was too weak to cry. Her parents were sentenced to 5 and 6 years in prison. Read more & more

A'maya Tamerry Age: 10 months

Somerset, Bermuda Died

March 1, 2001 Her parents relied on Irish Sea Moss because of their vegetarian lifestyle. She lost weight dramatically and died of malnutrition. A court found them guilty of manslaughter, but appeals are continuing. Read more

Gloria Thomas Age: 9 months

Sydney, NSW, Australia Died (untreated infection)

May 8, 2002 Gloria was diagnosed with eczema at four months. Her father, who taught and practiced homeopathy, treated her using that instead. She died of sepsis caused by broken skin due to her eczema. Read more & more & more

Javon Thompson Age: 18 months

Baltimore, Maryland Died

2006 When he wouldn't say "amen" at mealtime, members of the One Mind Ministries where he lived concluded he was a "demon" and allegedly starved him to death. His body was found 2 years later in a suitcase in Philadelphia. Read more & more & more

Krystal Ann Tibbets Age: 3

Midvale, Utah Died

July 8, 1995 Attachment therapy Read more

Jaspar Tomlinson Age: 0

London, England Brain injury during childbirth

December 2004 Jaspar's father is one of England's leading naturopaths. He was warned by a GP that his wife's pregnancy could end in stillbirth. At home, the "homeopathy assisted" birth went horribly wrong. He suffered brain damage and now has cerebral palsy. Read more & more

Caleb Tribble Age: 1

Northland valley, New Zealand Died (untreated kidney infection)

December 5, 2004 When Caleb was sick, his parents chose to pray rather than take him to the doctor. His infection went undiagnosed and he died. His parents were charged with a crime. Read more

Eben Tryon Age: 7

Norwood, Massachusetts Died (untreated diabetes)

November 9, 2003 His Christian Scientist parents thought his stomach pains were the flu. Actually he had diabetes. When he died, the prosecutor declined to file charges. Read more

James Turner Age: 11

Barrie, Ontario, Canada Paralyzed

July 24, 2000 He was taken by his parents to a chiropractor, who manipulated his back, but failed to notice he had a spinal cord tumor. His was left paralyzed. The parents sued for $2.75 million. Read more

Evelyn Vasquez Age: 6

Waukegan, Illinois Died (stabbed)

April 7, 2008 The child had a history of sleepwalking. Her mother confessed to brutally stabbing her to death because she believe she was possessed by the devil. She was charged with murder. Read more & more

Kathryn Walicki Age: 15

Revesby, Sydney, Australia Murdered

July 5, 2007 Her sister suffered from a psychiatric disorder, but the family allegedly took her off her medication due to their belief in Scientology. Now she is dead. Read more

Shauntay Walker Age: 4

Sacramento, California Died (meningitis)

March 8, 1984 She died of a treatable illness. Her mother, a Christian Scientist practitioner, was asked why her daughter was not vaccinated but her dog was. She responded that the law required it for the dog. Read more

Andrew Wantland Age: 12

LaHabra, California Died (untreated diabetes)

1992 Andrew had diabetes, but his father was a Christian Scientist. He decided to pray over the boy, rather than seek medical treatment. Andrew died of complications of diabetes. Read more

Jeannie Warren Age: 15

Fort Worth, Texas Abused, tortured

June 1990 Attachment therapy Read more

Sammy Weaver Age: 14

Ruby Ridge, Idaho Died

August 21, 1992 His mother had a "vision" of a mountain-top home. His father believed in a Zionist consipiracy to rule the world and that apocalypse was near. They reacted badly when law enforcement arrived at their home, and Sammy ended up dead. Read more

Liam Williams-Holloway Age: 5

Otago, New Zealand Died

October 2000 His parents refused chemotherapy for his cancer, but health officials obtained a court order. His parents went into hiding and took him to Mexico for alternative treatment. Read more & more

Loren Williamson Age: 5

Loranger, Louisiana Died (untreated leukemia)

June 1989 Religion (Church of God) Read more

Joel Winkelman Age: 3 weeks

Ohio Died (untreated pneumonia)

His parents believed that "the best physician is Jesus." He died as an infant of pneumonia without receiving medical treatment. Read more

Sean Woodrun Age: 6 months

Nobles, Indiana Died (untreated pneumonia)

April 1990 Religious cult (Faith Assembly) Read more

Ava Worthington Age: 15 months

Oregon City, Oregon Died (blood infection & pneumonia)

March 2, 2008 She got an infection, but her parents treated it with prayer instead of antibiotics. They were charged with manslaughter and criminal mistreatment. Read more & more

Kyra Wright Age: 10 months

Cortez, Colorado Died (untreated viral pneumonia)

1997 Religion (faith healing) Read more

Eliza Young Age: 1

Permanently stunted growth

1971 Quack nutrition advice Read more

Clayton Scott Zimmern Age: 9

Park Forest South, Illinois Died (untreated accident injuries)

1968 Religion (Christian Science) Read more

1 victim Age: 14

Salinas, California Molested

March 5, 2005 Belief in vampires Read more

1,600 British children England, UK Measles

2006 - 2007 In just 2006 and 2007 there were 2,000 cases of measles in the UK. That's more than the previous decade, a surplus of roughly 1,600 cases. The increase is blamed on parents reluctant to vaccinate their children. Read more & more

13 soccer fans Age: 11 - 16

Butembo, Democratic Republic of Congo Died

September 14, 2008 A football club was losing to its local rivals. The goalkeeper incated some “fetishist” spells to weaken the opposing team. Many in this country believe in witchcraft, and the subsequent riot left 13 dead and others injured. Read more & more

131 people United States Measles, 15 hospitalized

2008 Measles cases reached their worst levels in over a decade in the U.S. in 2008, with 131 cases including 15 serious enough to be hospitalized just in the first half of the year. 90% of these people were not vaccinated against the disease. Read more & more

14,000 children Age: 5 to 15

Kinshasa, Congo Abandoned by their families, homeless

1998 - 2007 Accused of witchcraft Read more & more

190 Canadian children Agassiz, Kent, BC, Canada Mumps

February - August, 2008 A religious community with a low rate of vaccinations was the source of a mumps outbreak. 116 Confirmed and 74 suspected cases occurred in a region that normally has 10. Mumps is easily preventable via vaccine. Read more

2 Canadian girls Age: 5 & 9

Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada Malnourishment

March 2001 The father was distraught to find his daughters "as thin as Holocaust victims" under the strict vegan diet administered by his ex-wife. He complained to the Ministry for Children and Families. Read more

2 Ontario children Willowdale, Ontario, Canada Nearly died

1988 They sought help with their allergies. The doctor used techniques including applied kinesiology to determine it was safe for them to eat peanuts. When they tried, both collapsed and one nearly died. The doctor was suspended and later lost his license Read more & more

23 high school softball players Washington Park Arboretum, Seattle, Washington Injuries, bus destroyed

April 16, 2008 A charter bus driver ferrying a high school softball team relied on a GPS system and did not notice the clearance signs. The 11 foot high bus plowed into a 9 foot high bridge. 23 people were briefly hospitalized and the bus was destroyed. Read more

3 victims Age: 14 - 15

Caldwell, Idaho Molested

March 14, 2006 Belief in vampires Read more

34 child chiropractic patients Age: 3 months - 15 years

Serious injury, delayed diagnosis of disease

December 18, 2006 This meta-study in Pediatrics found one death and 13 other serious injuries to children undergoing chiropractic manipulation. It also found 20 other cases of delayed diagnosis of disease or inappropriate use of chiropractic. Read more

41 children Age: 8 months - 5 years

California Lead poisoning

1991-1992 Traditional ethnic folk remedies Read more

42 Indonesian women Age: 11 to 30

Lubukpakam, Sumatera Utara, Indonesia Murdered

1986 - 1997 A man believed his father's ghost came to him in a dream and told him to kill 70 women so he could have magical powers. Belief in sorcery is widespread in Indonesia, and he used that to lure women to their deaths. He was executed in July 2008. Read more & more & more

432 children Age: 5 to 15

Mbanza Congo, Angola Abandoned by their families, homeless

Accused of witchcraft Read more

47 children Age: 0 - 14

England Abused

2000 - 2005 Belief in witchcraft Read more & more

5 children Arizona Died

1979 - 1983 Religion (Christ Miracle Healing Center) Read more

5 Minnesota infants Age: Infants

Minnesota One death, four ill

January 2009 The largest outbreak of Hib meningitis in this state since 1992 has occurred among several infants who were unvaccinated due to parental refusal. One infant died, several others were injured. Read more

6 children Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Died (untreated measles)

1991 Religion (Faith Tabernacle) Read more

65 children South Whidbey, Washington Pertussis (whooping cough)

May - July 2008 Because of parental resistance to vaccinations in this area, an outbreak of pertussis (whooping cough) has occurred. This has caused cancellations of events such as the local Little League All Star tournament to contain the outbreak. Read more & more

9 Scottish children Age: 8 - 15

Orkney Islands, Scotland, UK Put in foster care

March - April, 1991 Social workers took the children out of their homes after allegations of satanic abuse. A judge later found that there was no basis for the charges and returned the children. Years later the families accepted an apology and a cash settlement. Read more

"Baby A." Age: Newborn

Edinburgh, Scotland, UK Brain damage

June 4, 2004 New age midwife & herbal remedies Read more

"Child B" Age: 8

Hackney, London, England Beaten, cut, chili rubbed in eyes

June 2005 Belief in witchcraft Read more

"Cook Islands boy" Age: 6

New Zealand Died

July 2000 Surgeons removed a brain tumor, but his parents refused the follow-up radiotherapy on religious grounds. Five months later his tumor grew back and he died. Read more

"Jane Doe" Age: 11

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia Confined to wheelchair, neurological problems

September 2006 She had been sick for weeks. Her father distrusted conventional medicine and was feeding her an alternative cure sold through a mutli-level marketing program. She actually had a heart infection. The father was sentenced to six months in jail. Read more & more

"John Doe" Age: 11 months

Severe anemia

2005 They boy was raised on barley water and goats milk as recommended in an alternative medicine book. He developed a vitamin deficiency and his doctors said he was lucky to avoid brain damage. Read more

"John Doe" Age: 12

Harmånger, Sweden Died

January 4, 2008 This boy found the rules to a "choking game" on the internet. He tried it and died. Read more

"John Doe" Age: 2

San Diego, California Seizures

May 1998 The child was given a Chinese herbal remedy Hui Chun Tan on two occasions for vomiting and fever, and suffered seizures. It was found the product contained borneol, which is toxic and possibly fatal. The child recovered. Read more & more

"Jane Roe" Age: 4

San Francisco, California Hospitalized

1971 The child was pale and chronically ill. She had diarrhea, vomiting, fever, loss of hair, enlarged liver and spleen. It turned out her mother was a "food faddist" & had been giving her large doses of vitamins A and D. These were stopped. Read more

"Jane Roe" Age: 1

Wellington, New Zealand Died (untreated meningitis)

1991 The mother refused antibiotics for the baby's ear infection, preferring homeopathic advice. The baby grew more ill and was eventually hospitalized with meningitis. The baby died. Read more

"Jane Roe" Age: 14

Pabre, Burkina Faso Died

September 17, 2007 Even though Burkina Faso was one of the first countries to outlaw female circumcision (female genital mutilation), it still occurs. This girl was cut by an 80-year-old woman who was arrested. Read more

"Jane Roe" Age: 12

Glasgow, Scotland Rickets, degenerative bone disease

June 8, 2008 This 12 year old is in the hospital with a degenerative bone condition that has left her with the "spine of an 80-year-old woman." Lack of vitamin D from her strict vegan diet from birth is believed to be the cause. Police action is being considered. Read more

thousands of children northern Nigeria Polio

February 26, 2004 Muslim clerics have spread the conspiracy theory that the polio vaccine is a western plot to sterilize or murder Africans. This has result in a boycott in some areas of Nigeria. This is just as the WHO was on the verge of wiping out polio entirely. Read more & more

"Tshepang" Age: 9 months

Louisvale, South Africa Raped

November 2001 The AIDS epidemic in Africa has spawned many quack cures. In one area, witch doctors say that sex with a small child can cure the disease. Needless to say, this results in tragedy. Read more & more

"Micah X" Age: 23

Des Moines, Iowa Attempted suicide

He knew he was gay in eighth grade, but started reparative therapy at age 16. Within a year he had attempted suicide. After quitting the therapy he is happy now. Read more