Parents négligents : quand la foi chrétienne mène à la mort de leur enfant

Table of Contents

1. 📌 Introduction
2. 📌 The Schnick Case: A Shocking Revelation
3. 📌 Sheena's Parents: Neglect and Abandonment
4. 📌 Religious Beliefs: A Barrier to Treatment
5. 📌 Public Outrage and Intervention
6. 📌 The Battle for Shine's Life
7. 📌 A Fragile Recovery and Tragic End
8. 📌 Retributive Justice: The Fate of Sheena's Parents
9. 📌 The Legacy of the Schnick Case
10. 📌 Conclusion

📌 Introduction

Child abuse is a grave issue that affects societies across the globe. In 1999, South Korean society was confronted with the shocking case of Sheena, a young girl who suffered neglect and abandonment at the hands of her own parents. This case brought the issue of child abuse to the forefront, leading to a crucial turning point in how the country dealt with such heinous acts. In this article, we will delve deeper into the Schnick case, exploring the events that unfolded, the obstacles faced in providing Sheena with proper care, and the lasting impact it had on South Korean society.

📌 The Schnick Case: A Shocking Revelation

The Schnick case came to light in 1999 through the television show "Unanswered Questions." Dr. Kimanju of Aju University Medical Center, who had been treating Sheena, alerted the program about her dire situation. Sheena, a nine-year-old girl with Wilms tumor, had been neglected by her parents due to their religious beliefs. When the show's director, Pak Chung, saw Sheena's condition firsthand, he was overcome with shock. Sheena was severely emaciated, weighed only 20 kilograms, and had an 85-centimeter abdominal circumference due to a five-kilogram cancerous tumor.

📌 Sheena's Parents: Neglect and Abandonment

Sheena's parents were devout Christians who believed that their faith would heal their daughter. They refused to seek medical treatment for her, dismissing her pleas for help and telling her to endure the pain. Despite the efforts of Pastor Kimente and members of the church, Sheena's parents remained steadfast in their refusal to allow her to receive medical attention. This created a negative public opinion and intensified the urgent need for intervention.

📌 Religious Beliefs: A Barrier to Treatment

In 1999, South Korea struggled with limited legal measures to intervene in cases where parents' religious beliefs clashed with the well-being of their children. Parental rights were considered supreme, even in situations where a child's life was at stake. The production team of "Unanswered Questions" faced numerous challenges in their attempts to persuade Sheena's parents to allow her to receive treatment. It became clear that legal avenues had to be pursued to limit parental rights in similar cases in the future.

📌 Public Outrage and Intervention

Sheena's case prompted an outpouring of support from the public. Donations flooded in, and there was a nationwide campaign to save her life. The production team reached out to district offices, city halls, the Health and Welfare Ministry, and the National Assembly in their search for solutions. After relentless persuasion, Sheena's parents finally agreed to let her go to the hospital. However, they remained adamant in refusing any surgical procedures.

📌 The Battle for Shine's Life

Sheena underwent cancer treatment at the hospital without any complaints, displaying a remarkable will to live. However, her parents' stubborn refusal to consent to surgery created a significant obstacle to her recovery. The head of the public security department at the prosecution, Hall, threatened to book Sheena's parents as suspects of child abuse unless they limited their parental rights. Eventually, through the efforts of prosecutors and the persuasive power of Pastor Hall, Sheena's parents signed a surgery consent form.

📌 A Fragile Recovery and Tragic End

Sheena's surgery took place successfully at the end of November, and doctors expressed hope for her complete recovery. She began to regain weight and resumed attending school, bringing joy to the entire country. Yet, tragedy struck three years later in 2002 when it was revealed that Sheena had passed away in May of that year. Sheena's parents refused further treatment for her, clinging to their belief in prayer as a cure. This devastating outcome highlighted the urgent need for stronger measures in cases of parental neglect and abuse.

📌 Retributive Justice: The Fate of Sheena's Parents

In the aftermath of Sheena's death, legal action was taken against her parents. Her father took his own life, while her mother was diagnosed with aphasia due to shock. Her younger siblings were placed in orphanages, and a restraining order was issued against her father. While their parents faced retributive justice, it is tragic that Sheena's siblings and their innocent lives were irreparably impacted by their parents' actions.

📌 The Legacy of the Schnick Case

The Schnick case had a profound impact on South Korean society, leading to significant changes in the legal landscape. The Child Welfare Law was revised in July 2000 to include abandonment and neglect as forms of child abuse. However, there is still a hesitancy to strip parents of their authority in such cases, and more needs to be done to protect vulnerable children. The Schnick case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and collective action to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

📌 Conclusion

The Schnick case brought the issue of child abuse to the forefront of South Korean society, sparking outrage and prompting critical changes in legislation. Sheena's heartbreaking journey highlighted the devastating consequences of parental neglect and abandonment. While progress has been made, there is still work to be done to ensure the welfare of children in similar situations. Let us hope that the legacy of Sheena's case serves as a constant reminder to protect and fight for the rights of vulnerable children.

Highlights:

• The shocking revelation of the Schnick case in 1999 stirred public outrage and led to significant changes in South Korean society's approach to child abuse.
• Sheena's parents' devout religious beliefs became a barrier to her receiving the necessary medical treatment, leading to her deteriorating health and tragic end.
• The battle to save Sheena's life involved the intervention of the public, government officials, and legal authorities, ultimately leading to the revision of the Child Welfare Law.
• The retributive justice faced by Sheena's parents highlights the consequences of their actions, while also emphasizing the impact on innocent family members.
• The Schnick case serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for stronger measures to protect children from neglect and abuse in South Korea.

FAQ:

Q: What happened to Sheena's parents after her death? A: Sheena's father tragically committed suicide, while her mother was diagnosed with aphasia due to the shock of the events. Her younger siblings were sent to orphanages.

Q: Were there any legal consequences for Sheena's parents? A: Yes, Sheena's parents faced legal action, and a restraining order was issued against her father.

Q: Did Sheena's parents change their minds about her treatment? A: Initially, Sheena's parents refused medical treatment for her, citing their religious beliefs. However, through persuasion and legal pressure, they eventually agreed to let her undergo surgery.