ALABAMA
MEDICAL NEGLECT STATUTES
CIVIL MEDICAL NEGLECT STATUTE
A parent cannot be considered negligent solely for failing to provide medical treatment if the parent or legal guardian was legitimately practicing his or her religious beliefs.
Alabama Civil Statute:
When an investigation of child abuse or neglect by the Department of Human Resour-ces determines that a parent or legal guardian legitimately practicing his or her religious beliefs has not provided specific medical treatment for a child, the parent or legal guardian shall not be considered a negligent parent or guardian for that reason alone.
Alabama Code §26-14-7.2
CRIMINAL MEDICAL NEGLECT STATUTE
A person cannot be found guilty of child endangerment solely for providing remedial treatment by spiritual means to a child under age 19 or dependent spouse, if the treatment follows the practices of a recognized church and is performed by a duly accredited practitioner.
Alabama Criminal Statute:
(a) A man or woman commits the crime of endangering the welfare of a child when:
(b) A person does not commit an offense under Section 13A-13-4 [nonsupport] or this section for the sole reason he provides a child under the age of 19 years or a dependent spouse with remedial treatment by spiritual means alone in accordance with the tenets and practices of a recognized church or religious denomination by a duly accredited practitioner thereof in lieu of medical treatment.
Alabama Code §13A-13-6(b)