The young mother was too sick to her stomach to stay in the courtroom where her child’s future would be decided. Before her attorney could ask for a recess she ran out of the proceedings holding her mouth, headed toward the nearest bathroom.

E.C.G., as she is identified in court papers, was barred by the judge from re-entering the hearing that resulted in her child being taken away from her and put into foster care. Her attorney objected to the judge’s decision, arguing his client had a right to testify and explain why she should be allowed to keep her child.