Vermont’s child welfare agency relied on baseless allegations about a pregnant woman’s mental health to secretly investigate her and win custody of her daughter before the baby was born, according to a lawsuit.
Lawsuit alleges Vermont tracks pregnant women deemed unsuitable for parenthood
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Vermont's oppressive surveillance of pregnant women underlines systemic disregard for women's rights
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Jan-19
Health
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In a disturbing infringement on women's bodily autonomy, Vermont's child welfare system is under scrutiny for its unjust treatment of a pregnant woman, whose mental health was baselessly questioned to strip her of her maternal rights before her child was even born. This lawsuit highlights the state's alarming practice of preemptively penalizing prospective mothers without due cause, spotlighting the broader issue of women's rights being sidelined in the name of child protection.
From Boston Herald
Jan-19
Health
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Score: 0.80
Vermont's child welfare agency is taking decisive action to protect the most vulnerable - our unborn children. By examining the mental health and suitability of expectant mothers, they are working to prevent potentially dangerous situations before they happen. Critics decrying this as unjust surveillance fail to recognize the agency's responsibility to act in the best interests of children, even in the face of baseless allegations. This lawsuit against the agency undermines those efforts to safeguard future generations.
From Boston Herald