Dr. Phil
Animal Obsessed
E124 Mar 25, 2014 60m TV-PG
For the past year, Lou Pelletier and his wife, Linda, have been battling the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for custody of their 15-year-old daughter, Justina, who they claim has been held against their will by Boston Children’s Hospital. They say Justina suffers from Mitochondrial Disease and is in need of medication, but the hospital argues that the teen’s issues are psychosomatic — and accuses the parents of committing “medical child abuse.” How did a dispute over a diagnosis turn into a headline-grabbing custody battle? Justina’s parents and sisters — Jennifer, Jessica and Julia — say they’re only allowed to visit the teen one hour a week and claim her health is deteriorating because she has not received proper medical care. The family joins Dr. Phil to bring awareness to their case. And, experts weigh in — were doctors justified in their actions, or is this an abuse of power? Then, two-time cancer survivor Holly, 47, says she’s struggling with the fear of relapse and survivor’s guilt. Dr. Phil is joined by 43-year-old Hollye Jacobs, a breast cancer survivor and author of the new book, The Silver Lining, to offer Holly help in moving forward. Plus, Dani, a 50-year-old self-admitted sun worshiper, gets tips on coping with the signs of aging.
Where to Watch Animal Obsessed
