A Mother’s Plea: "I Didn’t Abuse My Babies"
A South Florida mother’s twins were taken away by the Florida Department of Children and Families, but she claims it was due to a medical condition, not abuse.
Tasha Patterson, a nurse practitioner, has been fighting to regain custody of her twin sons, whose health problems were misdiagnosed as abuse.
A History of Misdiagnosis
Tasha took her sons to multiple doctors, even visiting the emergency room over a dozen times, but every doctor dismissed her concerns. She was told she was a "concerned mom" and that her children were fine.
The Turning Point
The turning point came when her son’s unusual bruise led to a diagnosis of rib fractures and a small grade 1 liver laceration. Her second twin was also found to have fractures. This was when the medical team accused her and her husband of child abuse, and DCF took custody of the babies.
The Truth Revealed
Tasha was later diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), a disorder that causes easy bruising and fragile bones. She found that it can be passed on to her children. EDS specialists reviewed her sons’ medical records and agreed that she likely passed EDS onto her twins.
The Battle for Custody
Despite the expert opinions, Tasha’s attorney says DCF won’t return the children. Octavia Brown, Tasha’s attorney, believes DCF didn’t meet the standard of proof for abuse.
A Shared Experience
Tasha is not alone. Other parents who have passed EDS onto their infants have faced similar allegations of abuse. Rana Tyson, a young mother in Texas, was accused of abuse after her son’s X-rays showed bone fractures. She started the Fractured Families Foundation to help other parents fight the battle and provide advice on how to navigate the system.
Conclusion
Tasha’s story is a heart-wrenching example of the challenges faced by parents who are wrongly accused of child abuse. As she continues her fight to regain custody of her sons, she hopes that someone at DCF will listen to her story and understand that her children were never abused.
FAQs
Q: What is Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS)?
A: EDS is a disorder that causes easy bruising and fragile bones.
Q: Can EDS be passed on to children?
A: Yes, EDS can be passed on from parent to child.
Q: How common is EDS?
A: EDS is a relatively rare disorder, but it’s not well understood by many medical professionals.
Q: What can parents do if they’re accused of child abuse?
A: Parents can seek legal representation, gather expert opinions, and advocate for themselves and their children.
