Sturgis-Coldwater News

State Representative Jennifer Wortz has introduced House Bill 5163, a measure aimed at protecting parents’ rights to seek a second medical opinion for their children without facing accusations of child neglect. The proposed legislation would prevent parents from being found guilty of neglect if they are following or seeking recommendations from another healthcare professional.

“Most parents want to ensure they are getting the best possible care for their child,” said Wortz, R-Quincy. “If you get terrible news about your child’s health, it should be completely OK for a parent to seek additional medical advice to confirm the diagnosis and analyze the best course of treatment. CPS agents or medical professionals shouldn’t be able to begin proceedings against parents just trying to get the facts straight and chart the best course or treatment for their children.”

Wortz explained that some families in her community have faced legal action after seeking care from different doctors following an initial recommendation.

“Doctors are not parents and often have financial bias in treatment recommendations,” Wortz said. “It’s absurd that we should need legal protections to seek second opinions, but the weaponization of the medical and legal system has proven these protections are critical. Asking for a second opinion should never land a parent in the courtroom or a child in foster care.”

House Bill 5163 has been sent to the House Committee on Families and Veterans for review.