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A married couple in DeSoto, Texas, is demanding that Child Protective Services (CPS) return their newborn daughter. According to WFAA, the “days-old” infant was taken due to a “dispute over the proper treatment for jaundice.”
According to the outlet, Mila Jackson was born on Tuesday, March 21, during a home birth to two parents, Temecia and Rodney Jackson. A licensed midwife delivered the child, who weighed six pounds nine ounces. Additionally, Mila Jackson was declared “healthy.”
On March 24, the Jackson took their infant daughter to a pediatrician for a standard checkup, where they were also reassured that the child was healthy.
However, later that day, Temecia Jackson began to receive Dr. Anand Bhatt, a doctor at Baylor Scott & White. Dr. Bhatt alleged that the child had “dangerously high levels of bilirubin.” According to the outlet, bilirubin is a “yellowish substance made during the body’s normal process of breaking down old red blood cells.”
According to Dr. Bhatt, Mila Jackson’s bilirubin level was at 21.7. Additionally, the doctor explained that “a bilirubin over 20” poses a baby risk for “brain damage.”
The doctor then suggested that the couple bring the infant to the hospital for phototherapy, “a standard jaundice treatment.” However, the Jacksons expressed that they would treat their infant to at-home phototherapy with the help of their midwife.
Dr. Bhatt reportedly expressed concerns that the family would not have the “correct lights.” However, the Jacksons reassured the doctor they “supplement” Temecia’s breastmilk, “as recommended,” and provide the doctor with their midwife’s contact information.
According to Temecia Jackson, the interaction between her and the doctor then became more “aggressive.”
“Several hours later into the night, [Dr. Bhatt] texts my phone very aggressive — take her to the hospital or he’s calling CPS.”
In a letter to CPS, Dr. Bhatt further explained his stance.
“I filed a case report with CPS after trying 10 attempts to appeal to the family through phone calls, text messages, and leaving voicemails as they did not pick up the phone. Parents are very loving and they care dearly about their baby. Their distrust for medical care and guidance has led them to make a decision for the baby to refuse a simple treatment that can prevent brain damage. I authorized the support of CPS to help get this baby the care that was medically necessary and needed.”
CPS reportedly responded with its own statement.
“Due to the parents being unwilling to discuss the danger and potential consequences of this condition, it is necessary for the Department to intervene.”
Additionally, CPS listed concerns of “possible stroke, brain damage, or other immediate dangers to [the] child.”
On March 28, DeSoto police officers arrived at Jackson’s home, armed with a court order. The officers assisted CPS with removing Mila Jackson from the premises.
On April 6, Temecia and Rodney Jackson appeared at a press conference at the Afiya Center in Dallas. According to Temecia Jackson, her daughter was “unlawfully” taken by authorities.
“Unlawfully, [they] entered my home to take my baby from me.”
Additionally, the Jacksons explained that the court affidavit that allowed CPS to take their daughter, Mila, “lists the wrong mom.” Instead, according to the outlet, the affidavit lists a woman “with a completely different name and with a criminal history of child neglect.”
“Instantly, I felt like they had stolen my baby as I had had a home birth, and they were trying to say my baby belonged to this other woman.”
The father of the infant, Rodney Jackson, also shared his thoughts.
“We’ve been treated like criminals — and that’s far from the truth. This is a nightmare I wouldn’t wish on anyone.”
The midwife who birthed Mila Jackson is also demanding her return to the family.
“We are demanding that Mila be returned home today. Today. Because yesterday was too late.”
According to WFAA, a CPS spokesperson was “unable to explain why a different woman with a criminal history” was named on the court affidavit. Additionally, the spokesperson states that the department “could not comment on the case.”
Mila Jackson is reportedly being taken care of by a foster family. Furthermore, the Jacksons were able to visit their daughter on Wednesday at a CPS. The couple’s court date is scheduled for April 20.
