Syesha Mercado and partner Tyron Deener lost custody of both their children based on claims of neglect. The public case has shined light on the historic racism of child protective services and tells a larger story about the criminalization of Black families, particularly Black mothers.

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Gloria is a black mother of two children. When her second child was born, Gloria was living in safe shelter housing with her first child, a healthy 3-year-old boy. After undergoing a cesarean surgery, doctors chose to drug test both Gloria and her newborn son, Jermaine. This decision was made without notice or consent, and done despite the newborn being healthy at birth. The results of the test showed marijuana metabolite evident in both mother and baby. In response, the doctors immediately reported Gloria to child protective services (CPS). Of note, the health system’s guidelines in Gloria’s state do not recommend calling CPS at this point.