The Medically Neglected Child (West Germany)

Abstract

In recent years a growing concern over child abuse has manifested itself in Germany. In a number of cases, the parents or guardian have failed to provide the child with adequate medical care, be it for religious or other reasons. In the discussion of such cases two aspects may be distinguished: the relationship between parent and child on the one hand, and the relationship between parent and society, as represented by the state authorities on the other. The legal discussion has focussed essentially on the latter aspect, raising the question of the circumstances under which the state authorities may invade parental rights.