An Illinois mother has had her parental rights removed because she refuses to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Rebecca Firlit says Cook County Judge James Shapiro made the decision to strip her of custody until she gets a vaccination.
“I miss my son more than anything. It’s been very difficult. I haven’t seen him since August 10th”, Firlit told Fox 32 Chicago.
Firlit said she does not wish to receive the vaccine due to previous bad reactions to other vaccines. She has been divorced for 7 years and shares custody of her son with the ex-husband.
When discussing Judge Shapiro, Firlit said “He was placing his views on me. And taking my son away from me”.
Firlit’s attorney, Annette Fernholz, stated, “The trial court clearly exceeded its authority in sua sponte suspending the mother’s parenting time when the issue before the court was child support”.
The father did not bring this issue before the court. The mother did not know her parenting time was being discussed when she went to zoom court on August 10. The judge deprived her of notice and a full hearing on the issue. The issue is now before the Illinois appellate court.
Annette Fernholz
Firlit’s ex-husband is being represented by Jeffrey Leving who said they support the judge’s decision, noting “There are children who have died because of COVID. I think every child should be safe. And I agree that the mother should be vaccinated”.
