Otter calls for review of faith-healing exemption

BOISE – Gov. Butch Otter said he’s concerned with the number of children who die because their parents choose faith healing and not medical assistance for religious reasons.

Otter announced Thursday that he’s asked House Speaker Scott Bedke and Senate Pro Tem Brent Hill to form a legislative interim committee to study the issue over the next few months.

The Republican governor said he believes the state can find a balance that both protects children and supports religious freedom.

Idaho’s faith-healing exemption has attracted criticism over the years as more people have learned about the numerous deaths of children of members of the Followers of Christ group in southwestern Idaho from treatable conditions, including pneumonia and food poisoning.