“In fact, stillbirths are so common that the cult’s private burial ground in Island Pond, Vermont, includes several unmarked graves of dead children,” the story reads.”
Pile of journalistic rubbish. I saw & know of dozens of births and only one was stillbirth – I believe it happens in hospitals also.
They have trained midwives, the mother is well educated in birthing. They of course do not smoke, drink, take unnecessary drugs, junk food. The mother is required to stay and bond with the child for a specific period without doing any community work.
As for the graves, they don’t use outside services and have approved sites on their properties. You will also find elderly people and those that died of terminal diseases. If they have 200 births in one year – what are the odds of stillbirth? – LOOK IT UP

“The former female member I spoke with, said one of her first memories was of being beaten so badly with a 2×4 that she went home black and blue from her neck to her kneecaps. She was four years old.”
More bull – I witnessed hundreds of spanking with the rod they use and what is described is pure FANTASY. Mow-do I condone the spanking – it has some needs & benefits but it is also against the law so its a matter of lengthily debate on both sides. I personally never administered it for my own reasons.
If any parent beat a child like that they would be severely reprimanded, required to address to the whole community and quite possibly expelled. Some parents I met were not very good at parenting, most took a very active role. How is it in your community?? divorce, rampant sex with strangers, drugs , prescriptions for everything, no control in schools anymore and you would now judge others.

Are there leaders who enjoy the power and can be complete jerks – yes, I know a few but many are quite understanding
Computers, phones YES for those who need them in their work. Social media – do you know what your kids are up to on “social media”???. Do your kids know how to repair things, cook meals, do chores –

“They do not go to the doctor ever, unless there’s some sort of catastrophic injury.””
BULL, BULL, BULL
I know of many who had operations, my prescriptions were filled regularly, members saw doctors , dentists, physiotherapists, optometrists, Chiros
They practice homeopathy and stay away from specific foods especially those with additives, preservatives ….
Most have farms and grow their own, they raise goats & chickens for their meat & milk

“The first time I used an ATM or a vending machine was when I left,” When I go shopping I often see people who still have a problem.
I know of many of his age who learned trade in the tribes, left and are very successful, others it did not work out so well. The ones who did not want to work or learn are probably going to find it tough outside but then it seems to me a lot of University graduates find it tough. I had a good income before and after the 12T.

OK enough – there is control (communities that have none fall apart), there is spanking, you actually have to work regardless of your age, real friends, good food, teens having parties, drinking, making out – sorry not going to happen – it has and was dealt with, “religious rites & teachings” yes and some are debatable.
People who want to leave and are unhappy – of course – I left!
Last I heard over 90% of humanity is unhappy with their lot – are you completely happy??
Bottom line – it’s not the “norm of society” so it must be evil. Time to go after the Hutterites, Mennonites and all those other weirdoes also.