Personhood USA: Mistreatment and abuse of Justina Pelletier by Massachusetts DCF will continue

BOSTON, March 25, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In a ruling today, Judge Johnston refused to grant custody to the Pelletier family and instead sentenced her to remain in the custody of Massachusetts DCF, the agency which has prevented Justina from receiving medical care at Tufts Medical Center.

Rev. Patrick Mahoney, spokesperson for the Pelletier family and organizer of the Free Justina Coalition, stated: "It is a complete outrage that Massachusetts DCF has prevented Justina from returning to the loving arms of her family. By refusing to grant the Pelletiers custody, Judge Johnston is assuring that the mistreatment and abuse of Justina will continue. After talking with the Pelletier family a few moments ago, they are crushed and heartbroken to see their daughter violated like this. They are rightfully worried for her safety."

He continued: "In 37 years of public ministry and life, I've never seen such abuse and callous disregard by a government agency and the courts. Under the 'care' of DCF over the past 14 months, Justina now has to be moved by wheelchair, she has not been educated, and she has not been allowed to attend church services. All this from an organization that is under investigation for incompetence and negligent treatment of children in their care."

Keith Mason, President of Personhood USA, said: "The Free Justina Campaign is now weighing all options on what our response will be. We are considering a more permanent presence in Boston and plan to ignite a major national campaign to free Justina. This is a national disgrace. Justina belongs with her loving family, not in an institutionalized prison."

www.freejustina.com

SOURCE Personhood USA