The parents of Elizabeth Struhs, an eight-year-old girl who succumbed to complications from type 1 diabetes after being denied insulin, have been sentenced to 14 years in prison for manslaughter. This heartbreaking case unfolded in Toowoomba, near Brisbane, after Elizabeth was diagnosed with the chronic condition in 2019. Her parents, Jason and Elizabeth Struhs, belonged to a religious sect known as The Saints, which rejects conventional medical care, believing in divine healing.
Elizabeth's health worsened rapidly, leading to her death from diabetic ketoacidosis in January 2022, after nearly a week without insulin. Prosecutors described her declining condition, marked by severe symptoms and pain, while the congregation offered prayers, convinced that God would intervene. Notably, the girl’s father claimed that she was merely "sleeping" and that he would see her again, a statement that raised eyebrows during the trial.
The Supreme Court of Queensland sentenced not only her parents but also 13 other sect members, including the group's leader, Brendan Stevens, who received a 13-year sentence. Although the defendants claimed innocence, the evidence presented—over 60 witnesses and testimonies—painted a stark reality of neglect driven by their religious beliefs.
Justice Martin Burns, delivering a detailed verdict, emphasized the adversities Elizabeth faced due to a lack of medical attention, noting the tragedy of a life lost due to blind faith. Elizabeth's sister, Jayde, who distanced herself from the sect after coming out as gay, reflected on the strict ideologies upheld by the congregation.
As faith-based controversies continue to stir global conversations regarding healthcare rights, this case raises critical ethical questions about the intersection of religious beliefs and child welfare. The Saints, a small group unrecognized by prominent religious institutions in Australia, exemplify the challenges posed by radical sects regarding medical care and child protection laws.
