Photo by Saúl Sigüenza Imagine taking your child to the hospital for a routine check-up or a minor injury, only to find yourself accused of abuse and your child taken away by authorities. This harrowing scenario, often referred to as medical kidnapping , is a distressing reality for numerous families across the United States. Under allegations of "medical neglect" or disputed diagnoses, parents—particularly those who are poor, disabled, or from minority communities—find themselves entangled in a system where their rights are overshadowed by institutional decisions. What Is Medical Kidnapping? Definition and Context Medical kidnapping refers to situations where a child is taken from their parents or guardians by child protective services (CPS) due to disagreements over medical care. This often arises when medical professionals suspect that a parent is either neglecting necessary medical treatment or pursuing treatments deemed unconventional or unnecessary. Legal Gray Areas...
Photo by MART PRODUCTION: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-in-gray-shirt-holding-brown-cardboard-8078358 / A Haven in Name Only: The False Promise of Safety When most people think of domestic violence shelters, they imagine a safe space where survivors are protected and supported. These places are meant to be havens—offering warmth, resources, and healing. But the truth is often much darker. Behind the comforting words and pictures on websites are institutions stretched thin by lack of funding, overworked staff, and outdated rules. For some survivors, walking into a shelter feels like entering a fortress of rules, suspicion, and silence. Imagine fleeing your home in the middle of the night with your child in your arms, only to be met with a long list of requirements: proof of abuse, sobriety, a willingness to follow strict daily schedules, even a background check. Suddenly, the place you hoped would help becomes another place you have to survive. The public doesn’t often see ...