Joshua and Rachel Piland have been sentenced to 20 to 45 years in prison following the death of their newborn daughter, whom they refused to get medical treatment for due to their religious beliefs. According to People, the Michigan couple was convicted of second-degree murder and first-degree child abuse in the 2017 death of their three-day-old daughter Abigail.

The sentencing comes after a three-week trial in Ingham County Circuit Court that ended with a guilty verdict in March 2025. The jury's decision was influenced by concerns that the couple could potentially cause another child's death due to their unwavering stance on faith-based healing.

Faith over medical intervention

The tragedy began when Rachel Piland gave birth at home on February 6, 2017, with the assistance of a midwife named Sandra McCurdy. Initially, the birth went smoothly, and Abigail appeared healthy at the time of delivery.

However, when McCurdy returned the following day, she noticed Abigail's skin was yellowing—a clear sign of jaundice. The midwife advised the parents to seek medical attention, but Rachel reportedly refused, stating that "God makes no mistakes" and insisting that her daughter was fine.

Instead of taking their daughter to a doctor, the Pilands chose to rely on prayer. By the next day, Abigail had died, but rather than contacting authorities, the couple called friends who came over to pray for the baby to be "resurrected."

Death from treatable condition

It wasn't until Rachel's brother learned of his niece's death that anyone contacted authorities. When Lansing Police Officer Stacey Browe arrived at the Pilands' home, she found the couple and their friends still praying over the child's body—more than nine hours after Abigail had died.

An autopsy later revealed that Abigail died from a high level of bilirubin in her brain, which manifested as jaundice. Medical experts testified during the trial that this condition is highly treatable with standard medical interventions.

Despite the outcome, Joshua Piland maintained his position during police questioning, stating that he would make the same choice again. "If I had a choice between putting my daughter in the hands of men with the best of intentions and highest skill set in the world, I'd still put my daughter's life in the hands of my Lord Savior Jesus Christ," he told investigators.

Children removed from custody

Following Abigail's death, authorities removed the Pilands' two older children from their custody. The couple's attempt to reverse this decision was dismissed when Joshua stated in court that he would not comply with a court mandate prohibiting him from striking the children.

Since Abigail's death in 2017, Rachel has given birth to two more children, both of whom were immediately removed from her custody, according to court records. The couple has now lost custody of all four of their surviving children.

The Pilands were previously convicted of manslaughter in 2019 for Abigail's death, but a judge ruled that the case could be refiled on new charges shortly after that verdict. The current, more severe conviction reflects the jury's assessment of the gravity of their actions.

Continued belief despite consequences

Throughout their legal proceedings, the Pilands have remained steadfast in their belief system. They told a member of Child Protective Services that "they chose to 'believe in the word of God over the symptoms'" and maintained that "any medical condition that cannot be controlled with basic first aid is left in the hands of God."

This stance continued during their recent trial, where both Joshua and Rachel stood by their decision to reject medical care for their daughter. Their unwavering position on faith-based healing, despite the death of their daughter, contributed to the jury's decision to convict them.

Why this story matters

This story raises difficult questions about how society balances parental rights, religious freedom, and the duty to protect the most vulnerable. It exposes the limitations of relying solely on belief in situations that demand medical expertise. The death of Abigail Piland is a painful reminder that neglect under the guise of faith can have fatal consequences. As communities think more about child safety, this case encourages ongoing dialogue between healthcare providers, courts, and families to identify potential harm early and intervene appropriately. Ultimately, the goal is to keep children safe while respecting the values families hold dear.

In conclusion, Joshua and Rachel Piland's decision in 2017 to deny their newborn daughter medical care due to their faith led to her death from a treatable condition. After refusing to act on advice from a midwife, praying over the infant’s body for hours after her passing, and maintaining their beliefs through multiple legal proceedings, the couple was convicted of second-degree murder and child abuse and sentenced in June 2025. Their story serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences when faith is prioritized over urgent medical care, costing a newborn her life.