Lou Pelletier, the father of 15-year-old Justina Pelletier, appeared on “The Kelly File” Tuesday night to again shine light on his daughter’s year-long dilemma.
The New York Daily News gives the background of the case:
Doctors at Tufts Medical Center claim Justina is suffering from mitochondrial disorder, a genetic disorder that affects how cells produce energy. But when her regular doctor was unavailable, Justina was brought to Boston Children’s Hospital, where doctors decided that her symptoms were psychosomatic—meaning, they were the result of a mental illness.
Boston Children’s Hospital reported the Pelletiers to Massachusetts’ Department of Children and Families for over-medicating Justina. The state assumed custody of the child.
Since then, the Pelletiers have said that their daughter’s condition worsened dramatically. They claim the child hasn’t been properly cared for or given access to education. The parents aren’t allowed to take photos of Justina, but say that her stomach is bloated and that there are red lines running along her abdomen. The child now uses a wheelchair to get around.
Viewers have rallied around the #FreeJustina hashtag.
ATTN: ALL of America bring yourself up to speed on Justina Pelletier travesty WE MUST make a stand for our kids #FreeJustina #SAVEJustina
— Sherن (@ZephyrK9) February 25, 2014
Good time to watch @megynkelly and learn about Justina Pelletier. Disturbing story everyone should know about. #FreeJustina
— Russell Heller (@fpsuper) February 26, 2014
Thank you all for RT #FreeJustina Patriots all showing love kindness for a child and her family.I could never thank you enough. GOD BLESS U
— judy828 #CRUZCREW (@ludy730) February 26, 2014
#FreeJustina I am praying for her and her family! I can't imagine the pain they are going through.
— lauren howell (@laurenhowell530) February 26, 2014
#kellyfile signed the WH petition on #FreeJustina …..u should too….only 3k signatures out of 100k needed
— Michael (@socalmike_SD) February 26, 2014
Dear @BostonChildrens, Please sit down with Justina's treaters and work out a way to get her back to her parents. #URWrong #FreeJustina
— AGal (@GallSueJoe) February 26, 2014
@megynkelly @VRWCTexan #freeJustina.Hope your bringing this to light for millions of viewers w/add pressure to resolve favorably for family.
— AmericanWoman (@LWilsonDarlene) February 26, 2014
@mittromney #freejustina – help free justina…call the governor, call the hospital, call Harvard…help
— Shawn Turner (@TurnerOnQuality) February 26, 2014
@BostonChildrens KIDNAPPED 15 y/o girl bc they disagreed with #Tufts Hospital docs. #FreeJustina
— Thom Dartt (@ThomDartt) February 26, 2014
Shame on Mass. Gov. Deval Patrick. #FreeJustina from grip of social workers & reunite her w/ family. This is America! #JustinaPelletier
— Jesse Lee Peterson (@JLPtalk) February 26, 2014
Justina is not state property. She is a human being with loving parents. Shame on you. #FreeJustina
— kayo1025 (@kayo1025) February 26, 2014
#FreeJustina from Boston children's hospital. ? Pray for her quick recovery and return to her family!
— Millie Hillgrube (@Millie605) February 26, 2014
It's past time for @BostonChildrens drs & nurses, staff to grow spines & speak out truth abt abuse of power, abuse justina. #FreeJustina
— janet carpenter (@JanC60) February 26, 2014
"Justina is being treated like a piece of Massachusetts property." #KellyFile #FreeJustina
— Uncle Odie (@OdieMoats) February 26, 2014
Everyone involved in removing custody should be prosecuted, every doctor, social worker, lawyer, and judge. This is a travesty #FreeJustina
— Victor Nikki (@hapkidobigdad) February 26, 2014
