Hospital nightmare: doctors kidnapped our daughter

When parents Lou and Linda Pelletier rushed their 15-year-old daughter to hospital they had no idea they’d lose their little girl.

Justina Pelletier was diagnosed with mitochondrial disease. It’s a genetic disorder that results in loss of muscle coordination and weakness. Her parents have been caring for her for years, doing their best to make sure she has the best life possible.

It was in February this year that the Pelletiers took their daughter to hospital once more. She had the flu and they were worried about her. That’s when their real nightmare began.

A new team of doctors decided to take a closer look at the girl and decided she didn’t have mitochondrial disease at all. They concluded that she was in fact suffering from Somafotorm disorder – a psychological condition that manifests itself in physical symptoms.

For her own protection, they decided to block her parents from taking her home. They called in child services, accusing the loving couple of abuse.

Nine months after the incident, Lou and Linda Pelletier are only allowed to see their daughter for one hour a week and two 20 minute phone conversations.

It just defies belief.

“It’s beyond any wildest nightmare that you could think of,” Mr Pelletier told FOXCT. “It’s kidnapping.”

Boston Children’s Hospital claim the girl was being overmedicated by her parents. A report to child services, obtained by the Pelletiers, states, “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 Pelletiers produced documents proving all treatment and medicating of their daughter was approved by a doctor.

Still, Justina is being kept from them.

Far from behaving like a child who has been mistreated by her parents, Justina is sneaking messages to her parents from her hospital bed. She hides them inside origami artwork. “I know you trust in me. Don’t forget it. I love you more than everything in the whole world. Justina.” one note said.

These distraught parents continue their fight for their daughter and will next appear in court on December 5.

Have you ever had a bad hospital experience?