Parents of Diabetic Girl Sentenced for Manslaughter After Denying Medical Care

Elizabeth Struhs died due to a lack of insulin treatment, as her family, part of a religious sect, believed she would be healed through prayer. The court found the parents guilty of manslaughter, highlighting the dangers of faith over medical care.

The parents of an eight-year-old girl who succumbed to diabetes complications in Australia have been sentenced to 14 years in prison for manslaughter, following their refusal to provide necessary medical care. Elizabeth Struhs was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2019, which required daily insulin injections for management. However, her parents, Jason and Elizabeth Struhs, adhered to the beliefs of their religious sect, The Saints, who rejected conventional medical treatment in favor of divine healing.

Elizabeth passed away from diabetic ketoacidosis in January 2022 after enduring severe symptoms for nearly a week without insulin. Evidence presented during the trial indicated that stress from high blood sugar levels led to her death, which could have been prevented with medical intervention. The court heard from 60 witnesses who testified regarding the family's love for Elizabeth, yet emphasized how their faith led to their neglect of her medical needs.

The judge, Justice Martin Burns, noted that while the parents and sect members believed they were acting out of love, their choice to rely solely on prayer ultimately resulted in tragedy. The leader of The Saints, Brendan Stevens, received a 13-year sentence and defended the group's faith-based practices, claiming the trial was an instance of persecution against their religious beliefs.

In the weeks leading to her death, Elizabeth's family engaged in prayer and worship rather than seeking medical assistance, with authorities only being notified 36 hours after her passing. The community around The Saints promotes a lifestyle that avoids mainstream healthcare, further complicating the situation for its members. Elizabeth’s sister, Jayde Struhs, who distanced herself from the sect due to her sexual orientation, described the group's ideology as detrimental and expressed the painful loss of her relationship with her family due to their beliefs.

This tragic case raises pressing questions about religious freedom, parental rights, and the responsibility to provide medical care, especially in urgent situations involving children's health.