Questionable Allegations Of Munchausen Syndrome By Proxy (MSbP)

New Film Examines How Hundreds of Lives Are Shattered By Questionable Allegations Of Munchausen Syndrome By Proxy

http://www.openpress.com/pr_archive/2004/Oct/15/2004_Oct_15_2131.html

HOLLYWOOD, CA (OpenPress.Com) October 16, 2004 --

Oscar™-nominated, documentary filmmaker Amy Sommer, announced the availability of “Mama/M.A.M.A.”, a first-ever documentary investigation that questions the validity of Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy (“MSbP”), a poorly understood and highly controversial medical disorder. This groundbreaking film examines how three families were shattered by these allegations. The documentary effectively argues that, rather than a mother’s alleged mental illness, in many cases, doctors’ over-medication of infants may likely be the cause of their sickness. The film is now available on DVD at www.munchausenmovie.com

MSbP is a bizarre form of supposed child abuse in which a mother is alleged to feign her child’s illness, or even to make her child sick, in order to attract the sympathy and praise of the medical community. The film traces the formation of M.A.M.A., Mothers Against MSbP Accusations, an international support group made up of accused families who support each other via research and an active on-line forum. The filmmakers spent three years closely observing how the lives of three families were disrupted by medical professionals’ allegations and uncovered disturbing questions about the use of this devastating diagnosis.

Producer Sommer and Director Nonny de la Pena, both mothers and accomplished filmmakers, find that the illnesses supposedly caused by over one hundred “Munchausen Mothers,” were in fact, caused by potentially toxic drugs —drugs that were never approved for pediatric use. Additionally, the film traces the origins of the diagnosis and shows how no one, until now, has questioned the dubious science that has led to twenty-five years of mothers and children being torn apart.

“This film powerfully shows that, before we point a finger at a mother, doctors need to fully investigate drug side effects and other possibilities when considering why a child is ill,” said Nonny de la Pena, director, MAMA/M.A.M.A.

“There are so many conflicts of interest in medicine — drug research funding, information about which trials are published — that even common infant conditions can become a lightning rod for MSbP accusations,” added Amy Sommer, producer, MAMA/M.A.M.A.

De la Pena and Sommer previously collaborated on the critically acclaimed, “The Jaundiced Eye.” Their individual credits include “Unconstitutional” and “Waco: The Rules of Engagement,” among others.


Mama/M.A.M.A. runs 100 minutes and retails for $19.95. For more information, visit www.munchausenmovie.com

Editors’ note: Director Nonny de la Pena and producer Amy Sommer are available for interviews, live appearances, and Internet chats. Ms. De la Pena is fluent in Spanish as well as English. For a review copy of the film, contact the agency above.