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==Christian Science and the medical establishment==

==Christian Science and the medical establishment==

The relationship between Christian Science and the medical establishment is complex and tense. Christian Scientists who seem to be ill are supposed to seek help from "Christian Science practitioners" for prayer and spiritual counselling, and are not supposed to seek medical treatment from doctors. Accounts vary as to the degree of social and spiritual pressure that is brought to bear in their decision-making, but certainly a decision to seek medical help is a difficult one for Scientists.  Scientists come into conflict with public-health and child-welfare officials when they delay or deny medical treatment to their children. In a tragic, high-profile 1977 case, a Christian Science couple's 15-month-old son died of untreated meningitis.<ref>[http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,954258-2,00.html Matters of Faith and Death], Time Magazine, 1984].</ref>  

The relationship between Christian Science and the medical establishment is complex and tense. Christian Scientists who seem to be ill are supposed to seek help from "Christian Science practitioners" for prayer and spiritual counseling, and are not supposed to seek medical treatment from doctors. Accounts vary as to the degree of social and spiritual pressure that is brought to bear in their decision-making, but certainly a decision to seek medical help is a difficult one for Scientists.  Scientists come into conflict with public-health and child-welfare officials when they delay or deny medical treatment to their children. In a tragic, high-profile 1977 case, a Christian Science couple's 15-month-old son died of untreated meningitis.<ref>[http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,954258-2,00.html Matters of Faith and Death], Time Magazine, 1984].</ref>  

In 2006, a Christian Scientist in Boston contracted a case of measles, causing concern that the disease might spread quickly within the largely-unvaccinated population; according to Church officials, rapid action was taken, six individuals were quarantined at home, and the church informed its membership, including how to get vaccinated&mdash;stating that "The Church neither encouraged or discouraged vaccinations, and has no policy against the procedure."<ref>[http://medgadget.com/archives/2006/06/measles_in_bost.html Measles in Boston: Collision of Church and State, Science and Journalism], Medgadget</ref>

In 2006, a Christian Scientist in Boston contracted a case of measles, causing concern that the disease might spread quickly within the largely-unvaccinated population; according to Church officials, rapid action was taken, six individuals were quarantined at home, and the church informed its membership, including how to get vaccinated&mdash;stating that "The Church neither encouraged or discouraged vaccinations, and has no policy against the procedure."<ref>[http://medgadget.com/archives/2006/06/measles_in_bost.html Measles in Boston: Collision of Church and State, Science and Journalism], Medgadget</ref>