Rodney and Temecia Jackson of Texas have filed a lawsuit against the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) after their newborn daughter was taken into state custody following their decision to treat her jaundice at home under the guidance of a licensed midwife, per reports.​

In March 2023, the Jacksons opted for a home birth for their third child. A few days later, a pediatrician diagnosed the baby with jaundice and recommended hospital treatment. The Jacksons chose to follow their midwife's alternative treatment plan, which included enhanced nutrition, phototherapy, and monitoring. ​

The pediatrician reported the couple to DFPS for suspected medical neglect. Subsequently, the baby was taken from their home and placed in foster care for 24 days. During this time, the Jacksons were given paperwork with incorrect parental names, adding to their confusion and distress. ​ 

Although the baby was eventually returned and the case status was downgraded to "unable to determine," the Jacksons remain on the state's central registry. Their lawsuit, supported by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), argues that DFPS's actions violated their constitutional rights and disproportionately affected them as a Black family. ​

"She should have been safe in our arms. Instead, she was abruptly separated from us, losing the vital bond every newborn needs," the Jacksons stated. "We will never get that stolen time back." ​

The couple seeks to have their names removed from the registry and to challenge the policies that allowed for their daughter's removal without due process. DFPS has declined to comment on the pending litigation