Source: The Denver Post

On February 23, 2001, The Denver Post reported that "the Christian Scientists are bringing out their powerful lobby as HB 1286...moves through the Colorado legislature." This legislation would remove "an exemption in the state's child-abuse statutes that essentially makes Christian Scientists not liable for death or disability that might result if they choose to treat their children with Christian Science practices rather than medical treatments." Christian Scientists distinguish themselves from other faith-healing groups because they see their prayer as intellectual and spiritual, rather than as a supplication to God. Many of them see this as an issue of freedom of religion. Many former Christian Scientists, however, criticize the religion for discouraging medical treatments in cases where they are necessary.