State Rep. Jennifer Wortz today announced new legislation that would protect parents’ rights to seek a second opinion in medical circumstances regarding their children. House Bill 5163 would ensure that parents cannot be held guilty of child neglect if they are seeking or following medical 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 said there have been instances in her community where parents have been given medical direction by one doctor, sought care from another source, and then learn they are being taken to court for doing so.

“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.”

HB 5163 was referred to the House Committee on Families and Veterans for consideration.

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