Mother Charged With Child Neglect After Daughter Almost Dies From Botched Piercing

By Christina Rentz

Published on August 16, 2005

After unsuccessfully attempting to pierce her own belly button, Deborah Robinson's daughter acquired a serious blood disease that was excruciatingly painful. Her daughter immediately took to the couch for three weeks unable to move, eat, or control her own bowel movements. Instead of calling the paramedics, Deborah simply put her daughter in diapers and allowed the condition to progress without treatment.

Deborah Robinson, a single mother without health insurance, claimed she was afraid the doctor would sexually abuse her daughter.

When paramedics did finally arrive last week, the tall girl had wasted away to a mere 75 pounds and was near death. Since being rescued, the girl has undergone a series of surgeries and remains in critical care.

Deborah Robinson, who has a documented history of mental illness, had recently become isolated from friends and family and started talking to herself.

The family court judge ordered a psychiatric evaluation for Deborah after the court psychologist testified that Deborah has been exhibiting signs of serious mental illness. The judge also ordered that Deborah be held without bail.

Since Deborah's arrest, the Department of Social Services has assumed custody of the girl and is now making all medical decisions concerning the treatment of the girl's illness. Deborah's other child, a 15 year old boy, has been temporarily placed with relatives.

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