DC family loses custody of autistic son over gender transition fight
A military family from Prince George County, Maryland, is embroiled in a legal battle. The family lost custody of their autistic son for refusing to allow him to transition to a girl. The 16-year-old was hospitalized for self-harming following a breakup in 2021. As a result, he expressed a desire to transition, according to staff at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, DC.
The parents are both African-American and Army veterans. They were informed by the hospital that their son should be referred to using she/her pronouns. Believing their son was impressionable due to his autism, they rejected the suggestion. The family accuses the hospital of launching a “campaign to transgender this child.” In addition, they claim the staff engaged in “mental re-programming.” The lawsuit alleges that the boy was forced to disavow his previous male identity.
Family vs. Hospital Legal Battle Over Custody
The hospital used emergency policies to keep the boy in their care. In addition, they reported the parents to child protection services. Subsequently, the boy was placed in foster care and has not returned home since. The family has been fighting for custody for two years, during which they sold their business and home to cover legal expenses.
The parents argue that their son is vulnerable to social manipulation due to his autism. Karl von Batten, a DC Republican Party committee member with an autistic son, supports the parents. Thus, emphasizing the lack of safeguarding for autistic children in such situations.
The lawsuit filed in Maryland District Court accuses Children’s National Hospital of negligence, intentional emotional distress, and religious discrimination. It also highlights that the boy is currently living with the hospital’s “non-gendered” chaplain, Lavender Kelley, who supports transitioning children without parental consent.
Financial Fallout and Emotional Weight
The family’s financial and emotional toll has been immense. As a result, the father revealed that the ordeal drained their finances, forcing them to sell their home and business. Despite the hardships, they remain determined to regain custody of their son, now 19 and still in foster care.
The case has broader implications, raising concerns about parental rights and the treatment of autistic children in gender identity matters. The family, represented by lawyer Amos Jones, seeks up to $100 million in damages and legal costs. The parents continue to fight for their son’s return, questioning the hospital’s actions and the lack of critical reasoning in their approach.
The case has drawn significant attention and support. Many individuals and organizations have rallied behind the family, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that considers the child’s well-being and the parents’ rights.
As the legal battle continues, the family hopes for a resolution that respects their parental rights and ensures their son’s best interests. The case underscores the complexities of navigating gender identity issues within the context of autism and highlights the need for sensitive, informed approaches in such situations.
Source: Dailymail
DC family loses custody of autistic son over gender transition fight
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