Opinion ID: 1986881
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Evidence of abuse and neglect prior to first adoptive placement

Text: The record reveals that when Mother was pregnant, her doctor prescribed a medication for her to prevent premature labor. Mother quit taking the medicine of her own accord, and she later told a psychologist that she stopped taking the medicine because she was tired of being pregnant. The twins were born at 28 weeks, or approximately three months prematurely, and they weighed slightly more than two pounds each. Mother had similarly stopped taking this medication in a previous pregnancy because she didn't like to be on medication, and that child was also premature. The twins' pediatrician testified that, after their release from the hospital, Mother missed their first appointment and three weeks elapsed between their release and first visit to him. He described the twins at that time as having numerous medical problems and said this initial visit for the twins after their departure from the hospital was very important. [5] As a result of missed appointments, the doctor sent a letter to DFS stating that [n]ot showing up for routine medical visits for the twins is not acceptable care.