HARTFORD — A Connecticut couple whose two young sons were temporarily taken away by the state 16 years ago over a doctor's disputed abuse opinion has lost a bid to reinstate a lawsuit against the state child welfare agency.

The state Appellate Court on Monday rejected an appeal by former Newtown residents Michele and Craig Sienkiewicz. The couple sued the state Department of Children and Families and agency officials for emotional pain and humiliation. A lower court dismissed their lawsuit.

DCF took custody of the boys in 2000, after one of them was found to have broken ribs shortly after birth. A doctor reported it as abuse. The parents said the injuries occurred during birth.

A state judge sided with the parents. The children were returned to them after several months.