Experiences and perspectives of women who have committed neonaticide, infanticide and filicide: A systematic review and qualitative evidence synthesis

Abstract

What is known on the subject?• The phenomenon of child killing (neonaticide, infanticide or filicide) is a rare event that cannot be fully explained by a single construct as each case involves the unique life circumstances of each woman who committed the act(s). What the paper adds to existing knowledge?• The majority of women who committed neonaticide, infanticide or filicide regretted the act and regretted not seeking help from family and healthcare professionals.• Women who committed neonaticide, infanticide or filicide in the main had complex circumstances characterised by poverty, abusive relationships, poor family and social support or over reliance on family supports and mental health issues. What are the implications for practice?• Women require a clear plan of what to do if they feel overwhelmed with caring for a baby or child.• Healthcare professionals involved with women in the perinatal period need to explore further women's expressions of "not being ready to be a mother" which for some women may be pathological and require further assessment.• Women need to be made aware of the support service pathways available to them during the perinatal period and beyond.• Further research is needed to explore and learn from women's experiences to reduce child homicide mortality and support women and their families.

Causes of sudden neonatal mortality disclosed by autopsy and histopathological examination

“…[ 19 ] Neonaticide (killing an infant shortly after birth, usually on the first day of life) and infanticide (the murder of a child aged 1 day to 1 year) are generally performed by the victim’s mother. [ 20 ]…”

“…[19] Neonaticide (killing an infant shortly after birth, usually on the first day of life) and infanticide (the murder of a child aged 1 day to 1 year) are generally performed by the victim's mother. [20] A systematic review of the worldwide incidence of neonaticides in Europe found that young maternal age, being unmarried, and primiparous are common features shared by these perpetrators. [21] One study from Turkey about the sociodemographics of mothers who abandoned their newborn babies at the hospital also found that, low education level, being unmarried, and/or being unemployed were the most important grounds shared by mothers.…”

A systematic review of qualitative evidence: Perspectives of fathers whose partner experienced postpartum psychosis

“…The onset of postpartum psychosis occurs during a time which is crucial for mother–infant bonding and is associated with negative consequences for the woman, including poor maternal–infant attachment, suicide, and an increased risk of developing both puerperal and non‐puerperal‐related mental health conditions (Glover et al, 2014). The associated risks to the infant include neglect, harm and, in rare cases, infanticide (Milia & Noonan, 2022; Plunkett et al, 2017; Stockley, 2018). Approximately 4% of women who experience postpartum psychosis commit infanticide (Spinelli, 2009) and up to 30% of these women will die by suicide (Luykx et al, 2019).…”

Systematic review on the prevalence of perinatal depression in Malawi

“…10,12,13 For instance, a systematic review found that some women who committed neonaticide, infanticide or filicide had mental health concerns. 14 This may be the case in South Africa, where rates of neonaticide (19.6 per 100 000 live births) and infanticide (28.4 per 100 000 live births) are high. 15 Furthermore, perinatal depression is linked to poor uptake of antenatal services, 16 premature birth, intrauterine growth restriction, low birth weight, 17 fatigue, poor concentration and feelings of hopelessness in a pregnant woman.…”