Chicago mother appeals a court order that removed her parental visit rights due to her refusal to get vaccinated against coronavirus.
Cook County Judge James Shapiro asked Rebecca Firlit about her vaccination status after she and her husband of seven years took part in a child support hearing by video conference on Aug. 10. Firlit informed the judge that she had not received the vaccine due to adverse reactions to other vaccines. He ordered her to lose her parental rights to visit her son until she is vaccinated.
"I believe that it is wrong. It is dividing families, I believe. Firlit stated that it was not in the best interests of my son to be far from his mother.
FAUCI AND BIDEN DISCUSS CUTTING WAIT TIMES FOR COVID-19 BOOSTER - FROM EIGHT MONTHS UP TO FIVE
Firlit has been speaking with her son via video and phone calls but has not visited her in person for more than two weeks to comply with the judge's orders.
She said that her vaccination status was irrelevant. "He was imposing his views upon me and taking away my son."
Annette Fernholz (Firlit's lawyer) stated that the matter was not under Shapiro's jurisdiction.
"You must understand that the father didn't bring this matter before the court. Fernholz stated that the judge will make the decision and you won't be able to see your child until he is vaccinated.
Jeffrey Leving, representing the father of the boy, was surprised by Shapiro’s decision, but stated that they were supportive.
"There have been many children who have died from COVID. Leving stated that she believes every child should have safety and that mothers should also be vaccinated.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION FROM THE WASHINGTON XAMINER
As students across the country return to face-to-face instruction this fall, there have been heated debates about the best protocols to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. Some states have moved to mandate masks in schools, while others have implemented vaccine requirements for teachers. However, Florida and other states have banned these practices. Their leaders claim that they violate personal freedoms.
Continue the story
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the United States has seen more than 38,000,000 cases of COVID-19. 52% of the population is fully vaccinated.
Washington Examiner Videos
Tags: News, Chicago, Healthcare, Law, Vaccination, Coronavirus
Original Author: Jeremy Beaman
Original Location: Chicago mother is stripped of parental rights by Judge for refusing to be vaccinated
