Protecting Luca and Mommy: Forced Medication and Trauma

Our son was born at home in a peaceful, loving environment — just as we had planned. He was healthy, strong, and surrounded by care and intention.

About 30 minutes after his birth, we noticed that the placenta had not yet detached. Out of caution, we made the responsible decision to transfer to the hospital by car. My wife was treated for the retained placenta, blood was drawn, and we were discharged shortly afterward.

Just two hours after returning home, we received a call from Child Protective Services, informing us they had been contacted. Shortly after, the hospital called and told us that my wife had tested HIV positive — with no further explanation or confirmation.

We returned to the hospital for clarification and further testing. That’s when things became a nightmare.

We were told that we would be forced to administer antiretroviral drugs to our newborn, either by force or by choice. No confirmatory HIV testing had been completed. When we asked questions, expressed concern, and tried to leave, armed guards were stationed outside our room, and we were not allowed to leave.

We were told that if we did not comply, our baby would be taken from us.

My wife — newly postpartum — was forced to spend the night in the hospital on a surface not suited for recovery, in pain, exhausted, and traumatized. Since then, she has lived in fear, constantly on edge, terrified that someone could come to take her baby away again.

CPS visited us twice while we were still in the hospital, and once again at our home. Thankfully, the social workers were kind, understanding, and recognized that we are loving, attentive parents who had never refused care — only asked that it be based on evidence and consent.

Eventually, we were discharged — but only after agreeing to obtain medication for our baby that wasn’t even available in our city. The doctor initially refused to let us pick it up elsewhere. Only after significant pressure did he agree. My mother drove hours to Winston-Salem to retrieve it, just so we could finally go home.

Two days after we were discharged, the confirmatory HIV test came back negative.

We were forced to give our newborn multiple doses of antiretroviral medication before this result was returned — a decision made under threat, without confirmed diagnosis, and with devastating emotional impact on our family.

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How You Can Help:

We are now pursuing legal action for:

• Coercion, intimidation, and threats

• Medical treatment forced without confirmed testing or consent

• Illegal detainment under armed guard

• Emotional and postpartum trauma

We are raising funds to help cover:

• Legal representation

• Lost income from time off work

• Mental health support for our recovery

This isn’t just about us — it’s about protecting every family’s right to informed medical decision-making, birth dignity, and freedom from fear.

If you believe in parental rights, medical ethics, and the power of standing up against injustice, please consider donating and sharing our story.

With love and gratitude,

— Branson, Emma, Haven, Meadow, Luca Draper