AAP News Vol. 15 No. 2 February 1999, p. 4
© 1999 American Academy of Pediatrics
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AAP files brief in 'healing prayer' vs. science case

Sherry Trust Llewellyn

Should religious, nonmedical health care institutions (RNHCIs), such as those run by Christian Scientists, receive federal medical insurance benefits? Although current law says they do, a case pending in federal court is challenging the status quo, and the Academy has joined the battle.

The Academy, along with the American Medical Association (AMA), the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the Iowa Medical Society (IMS), filed an amicus brief on Dec. 29 asserting that RNHCIs should not receive Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement. Like the organization that brought the suit, Children's Healthcare is a Legal Duty (CHILD), the Academy and other "friends of the court" argue the current law violates the First Amendment provision prohibiting the government from favoring a religion.