Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the psychosocial factors of neonaticide, especially the circumstances before delivery, the relationships
of the pregnant women, and their social environment awareness of women’s pregnancy. This nationwide study was register-based,
comprising all known neonaticides in Austria and Finland between 1995 and 2005. Cases (n = 28) were obtained by screening the death certificates from coroner’s departments and by analyzing them along with all further
available reports. Few women (17.9 %, 5/28) admitted their pregnancy to others. Although most (16/28) offenders were in a
relationship, the partner had knowledge of the pregnancy in only three cases. The main motive for negation of the pregnancy
(named in 60.8 % of cases) was fear of abandonment/negative response from others. The fertility rate among the women was high,
but half of those with children had lost the custody of them. In neonaticide, the lack of awareness surrounding offenders’
pregnancy, as well as the awareness of social environment, is more relevant than any other social variable.
of the pregnant women, and their social environment awareness of women’s pregnancy. This nationwide study was register-based,
comprising all known neonaticides in Austria and Finland between 1995 and 2005. Cases (n = 28) were obtained by screening the death certificates from coroner’s departments and by analyzing them along with all further
available reports. Few women (17.9 %, 5/28) admitted their pregnancy to others. Although most (16/28) offenders were in a
relationship, the partner had knowledge of the pregnancy in only three cases. The main motive for negation of the pregnancy
(named in 60.8 % of cases) was fear of abandonment/negative response from others. The fertility rate among the women was high,
but half of those with children had lost the custody of them. In neonaticide, the lack of awareness surrounding offenders’
pregnancy, as well as the awareness of social environment, is more relevant than any other social variable.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Article
- Pages 1-8
- DOI 10.1007/s00737-012-0268-0
- Authors
- Sabine Amon, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Hanna Putkonen, Vanha Vaasa Hospital, Vierinkiventie 1, P.O. Box 13, 65381 Vaasa, Finland
- Ghitta Weizmann-Henelius, Vanha Vaasa Hospital, Vierinkiventie 1, P.O. Box 13, 65381 Vaasa, Finland
- Maria P. Almiron, British Embassy, Calle 53, Urbanizacion Marbella, MMG Tower, 4th Floor, Panama City, Panama
- Anton K. Formann, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Liebiggasse 5, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Martin Voracek, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Liebiggasse 5, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Markku Eronen, Vanha Vaasa Hospital, Vierinkiventie 1, P.O. Box 13, 65381 Vaasa, Finland
- Jenny Yourstone, Centre for Violence Prevention, Karolinska Institute, P.O. Box 23000, 104 35 Stockholm, Sweden
- Max Friedrich, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Claudia M. Klier, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Journal Archives of Women’s Mental Health
- Online ISSN 1435-1102
- Print ISSN 1434-1816