NCJ Number
214142
Date Published
2006
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This chapter addresses the features and medicolegal detection of feticide (death of a fetus whose birth is precipitated by an injury criminally inflicted on the mother) and neonaticide (the killing of a child within the first 30 days after his/her birth).
Abstract
A stillbirth or fetal death is a death prior to complete delivery from his/her mother. Intrauterine death is indicated when, after separation from his/her mother, the fetus does not breathe or show any other evidence of life. Under such circumstances a fetal certificate must be filed. Such certificates do not cite the manner of death; however, in cases where a stillbirth was the direct result of a criminal action by a third party, the autopsy findings must be sent to the prosecutor for possible legal action. In the case of neonaticide, the mother usually kills the child in an attempt to hide a recent pregnancy. Less frequently, a mother may commit neonaticide under the influence of a psychotic episode related to postpartum depression/psychosis. When newborns older than 24 hours are murdered, the father is slightly more likely than the mother to be the perpetrator. Several issues must be addressed by the forensic pathologist in cases of suspected neonaticide. One issue is the identification of the mother of the newborn. This can be done by examining the suspected mother for evidence of recent delivery. A more conclusive approach is to compare the infant's DNA with that of the suspected mother. Another question that must be answered is whether the child was born alive. Factors that indicate a live birth include the presence of food in the stomach, air in the lungs, or vital reaction of the umbilical cord stump. Asphyxia is the most common cause of death in neonaticide. 8 figures and 39 references