Doctor loses custody of her child over coronavirus fears

Theresa Greene says ruling was "discrimination" against divorced parents

An emergency room doctor lost custody of her daughter because she works with Covid-19 patients. Now, she's challenging the decision, calling it "discrimination."

Dr Theresa Greene, who works in Miami, Florida, said she planned to appeal an order granting her ex-husband full custody of their four-year-old daughter.

"I think it's not fair, it's cruel to ask me to choose between my child and the oath I took as a physician," Dr Greene said in an interview with CNN. "I won't abandon my team at work or the patients who will increasingly look to me to save their lives in the coming weeks, but it's torture."

Dr Greene said she and her husband have been divorced for nearly two years and - up until recently - split custody of their daughter.

Her husband, Eric Greene, filed for a temporary change to their custody arrangement, granting him full custody of their daughter while Dr Greene was working with Covid-19 patients.

Read more

"The Court does not enter this Order lightly but given the pandemic in Florida and the recent increase in confirmed Covid-19 cases, the Court finds in order to insulate and protect the best interest and health of the minor child, this Order must be entered on a temporary basis," the judge wrote in the ruling.

Mr Greene's attorney, Paul Leinoff, issued a lengthy statement praising Dr Greene for her work while explaining the purpose behind his push for custody.

"Mr Greene and I have the utmost respect for Dr Greene's commitment to her critical work during this pandemic. We recognise and genuinely appreciate the sacrifices that she and all healthcare workers are all currently making to save lives and prevent further illness in Florida and around the world," Mr Leinoff said.

"The Greenes' temporary timesharing dispute was presented before the Court based upon the specific facts of this individual family and a decision was reached based upon the best interests and safety of a minor child limited to the temporary circumstances presented by Covid-19. The Court's ruling was not intended to serve as a blanket rule, nor should it. Pursuant to Mr Greene's request and as ordered by the Court, Dr Greene is to be provided future make-up timesharing for each day missed during this challenging time and daily video communication with the child. We will continue to pursue ways to resolve this delicate situation and believe that a result can be achieved safely and fairly."

Dr Greene believes the decision is discriminatory against her as a doctor and as a divorced parent.

"If I was married, I'd be given the opportunity to go home to my child. No one could tell me I shouldn't do that," she said.

She went on to say that her brother is an engineer building hospital tents for Covid-19 patients, and that he is allowed to go home to his children without issue.

Dr Greene said that she wears full PPE and that her daughter's young age makes her significantly less susceptible to the virus than adults.

"Yes, it is severe, and there is danger, and we're being careful," Dr Greene said. "We use everything we can. I've actually worn equipment above and beyond to protect myself and my child."