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MI Supreme Court to hear case of couple refusing treatment for daughter due to religious beliefs

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Posted at 11:36 AM, Apr 11, 2019
and last updated 2019-04-11 12:22:31-04

(WXYZ) — A couple in Lansing is trying to regain custody of their two sons after their newborn daughter died when they refused to seek medical treatment.

According to the Lansing State Journal, Rachel and Joshua Piland's sons were removed from their custody after the death of their 3-day-old daughter, Abigail Piland, in February 2017.

Abigail died from conditions related to jaundice after her parents did not seek medical treatment because of their religious beliefs.

The Lansing State Journal reports that the Pilands told investigators "God makes no mistakes" and ignored a midwife's advice to seek medical treatment for Abigail. They were arrested and released on bond.

A year and a half later, the couple had another baby girl who was born with similar health problems. State officials then seized the baby and took her to the hospital to receive lifesaving blood transfusions.

The Pilands are facing involuntary manslaughter charges and the Michigan Supreme Court heard oral arguments about the case Wednesday.

Watch the Michigan Supreme Court arguments below: