Parents Lou and Linda Pelletier lose custody of daughter Justina to Boston Children's Hospital
THE parents of a 15-year-old girl who is suffering from a mystery illness have lost custody of their daughter to a hospital.
THE parents of a 15-year-old girl who is suffering from a mystery illness have lost custody of their daughter to a hospital.
Justina Pelletier, from West Hartford, Connecticut, was diagnosed with mitochondrial disease, a genetic disorder that can cause loss of muscle coordination and weakness, several years ago, FoxCT reports
But after being admitted to Boston Children's Hospital in February with the flu, a new team of doctors said she was actually suffering from Somafotorm disorder - a psychological condition that manifests itself in physical symptoms - and stopped her parents from taking her home.
Nine months after the incident, Lou and Linda Pelletier, are allowed just one hour a week to visit their daughter and two 20 minute phone conversations.
"It's beyond any wildest nightmare that you could think of," said Mr Pelletier. "It's kidnapping."
Boston Children's Hospital has refused to comment but documents show that they believe Justina's parents were overmedicating her, which is why child services were called.
"Due to concerns regarding Justina’s regressive behavior changes around her family, the multiple medical procedures and care episodes she has been through … and both parents’ resistance towards recommended treatment plans for Justina … a child protection team was convened," the report said.
The family said that every procedure and prescription was sanctioned by doctors and even showed the hospital proof.
Justina is still in the hospital, sneaking messages to her parents, hidden inside origami artwork.
"I know you trust in me. Don’t forget it. I love you more than everything in the whole world. Justina," Linda Pelletier reads from one note.
The Pelletiers’ next court date is December 5.