OREGON CITY, Ore. – An Oregon City couple who allowed their newborn to die after refusing medical treatment has been sentenced in Clackamas County Circuit Court, drawing renewed attention to faith-based medical neglect cases tied to the Followers of Christ church.
Guilty Plea and Sentencing
Blair Edwards, 37, and Taylor Edwards, 32, pleaded guilty this week to first-degree criminal mistreatment. The pair admitted to withholding life-saving care from their son, Hayden, who died just two days after birth.
Judge’s ruling:
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30 days in jail
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Five years of supervised probation
During probation, the Edwards must meet strict conditions to ensure the health and safety of their four surviving children. Requirements include maintaining health insurance, scheduling pediatric check-ups, and following all medical recommendations.
“This case is a reminder that Oregon law is extremely clear: parents are required to protect their children,” said District Attorney John Wentworth. “We will continue to prosecute members of this church—or anyone else—who fails to seek necessary medical treatment for a child in their care.”
Infant’s Fatal Decline
Hayden was born at home on June 24, 2025. Initially healthy, his condition deteriorated rapidly by the morning of June 26. Symptoms included:
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Refusal to eat
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Blue lips
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Labored breathing
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Lethargy
Instead of seeking medical help, the Edwards turned to fellow members of the Followers of Christ church. Congregants prayed over the baby and performed anointment rituals with olive oil.
For several hours, Hayden struggled to breathe. He eventually stopped altogether. Family members attempted resuscitation using cold cloths and body rubs but never called emergency services.
A medical examiner later determined Hayden died of acute bilirubin encephalopathy, caused by dangerously high levels of bilirubin in the brain. The underlying reason for the bilirubin imbalance remains unknown, preventing prosecutors from pursuing charges directly tied to his death.
Parents Issue Public Apology
In court, Blair Edwards expressed remorse in a prepared statement.
“We should have reached out for medical care when Hayden went into medical distress,” he said. “Our beautiful and precious son’s death has shown us the value of preserving life through medical care. We ask members of our church to take our loss as motivation and seek medical intervention for your children.”
The Edwards’ admission is notable within the Followers of Christ, a group historically resistant to outside medical treatment, relying instead on faith healing.
A Pattern of Neglect in the Followers of Christ
Hayden’s death is the sixth Clackamas County prosecution since 2008 involving Followers of Christ parents accused of withholding care. Five of those cases involved child deaths.
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2008: Ava Worthington, 15 months – died of untreated pneumonia. Father convicted of misdemeanor criminal mistreatment.
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2008: Neil Beagley, 15 – died from a urinary blockage. Parents convicted of negligent homicide.
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2009: Newborn of Shannon & Dale Hickman – died hours after birth. Parents convicted of manslaughter.
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2010: Alayna Wyland, infant – nearly lost her eyesight due to an untreated tumor. Parents convicted of mistreatment.
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2017: Ginnifer Mitchell, premature twin – died hours after birth. Parents convicted of homicide.
In each case, prosecutors emphasized that religious freedom does not excuse child neglect under Oregon law.
Community Response
The sentencing has renewed calls for stronger safeguards against faith-based medical neglect. Advocates argue that public awareness and legal consequences are essential to prevent future deaths.
While the Edwards’ sentence was relatively light, prosecutors Randi Hall and Rusty Amos, who led the case, said the outcome underscores accountability within the church community.
“This case is about preventing history from repeating itself,” one prosecutor noted. “We want families to know that medical care is not optional—it’s the law, and it saves lives.”
Looking Forward
As the Edwards begin their probation, attention remains on the Followers of Christ and how faith-based practices intersect with child welfare laws. For prosecutors, Hayden’s story adds to a troubling record in Clackamas County, but also provides an opportunity to urge change.
For Blair and Taylor Edwards, their public apology reflects a shift—one that prosecutors hope other church members will follow before more children’s lives are lost.
