Berman saw potential for a captivating story with life-and-death consequences, parental rights, government involvement, and possible overreach.
A meteorologist friend at the station mentioned it to him, suggesting it might be a good story.
Legal concerns, pushback from his TV station, and the complexity of the case requiring frequent trips to Boston.
He sought third-party comments and reached out to the hospital multiple times, giving them ample opportunity to respond.
They were intense, disorganized, and sometimes unethical in their communications, but also kind and trusting.
His opinion fluctuated daily, and he remained uncertain about who was right or wrong, even after the trial.
The testimony of an expert witness who detailed Justina's negative test results for mitochondrial disorder.
He acknowledged the limitations of TV news and the need to balance visual storytelling with nuanced information.
On this show we talk a lot about how Munchausen by Proxy cases are covered in the media, and today we’re getting the inside scoop from the reporter who broke one of the most high profile MBP stories. Beau Berman began covering the Justina Pelletier case back in 2013 as a young reporter and watched over the years as the case evolved and got stranger and stranger. He tells Andrea about how the story came across his desk and the complexities of trying to keep the balance on both sides while dealing with HIPAA. He reflects on his time with the Pelletiers and his thoughts on the case more than a decade after covering it.
Links/Resources:
The Battle for Justina Pelletier: https://www.peacocktv.com/watch-online/tv/the-battle-for-justina-pelletier/5657866397468499112)
Read about Justina Pelleiter in The Boston Globe: https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2020/01/12/pelletier/0I2dQrYlZFJ9tNzscaXdAO/story.html)
Join Patreon for a look at Andrea and Dr. Bex’s previous coverage of the Justina Pelletier case: https://www.patreon.com/collection/507935)
Preorder Andrea's new book The Mother Next Door: Medicine, Deception, and Munchausen by Proxy)
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The American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children’s MBP Practice Guidelines can be downloaded here).
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