Allegations and Legal Action
A lawsuit filed by the ACLU of Vermont and Pregnancy Justice claims Vermont's child welfare agency secretly investigated a pregnant woman, based on unfounded mental health allegations, and secured custody of her daughter at birth.
The suit, targeting the , a counseling center, and the hospital involved, seeks to end what it describes as an illegal surveillance program and demands unspecified damages.
Responses and Broader Implications
Officials from the Vermont Department for Children and Families, , and the counseling center, , have yet to comment substantively on the lawsuit, citing the need for further review and investigation.
Advocates argue the case highlights a troubling trend of using pregnancy as a basis for surveillance and custody actions, with concerns about the infringement of reproductive rights and autonomy.