[Anonymous birth and neonaticide in Tyrol]

Area of Science:

• Forensic Medicine
• Public Health
• Sociology

Background:

• Austria introduced legal "anonymous birth" in 2001, allowing women to deliver without identification.
• This policy aimed to prevent infant abandonment and neonaticide, following high-profile cases.
• Hospital births under this option are publicly funded.

Observation:

• Four neonaticide cases occurred in Tyrol between 1996-2004, with one infant abandoned in a hospital.
• Since 2001, two women utilized anonymous birth, delivering healthy infants.
• Both women received extensive counseling but insisted on anonymity, highlighting potential social pressures.

Findings:

• Anonymous birth has not eliminated infant abandonment or neonaticide in Austria.
• Women using anonymous birth may seek to avoid family and social service scrutiny, rather than intending harm.
• The policy's effectiveness in preventing infanticide is questionable.

Implications:

• Anonymous birth may not deter all cases of neonaticide or infant abandonment.
• Further research is needed to understand the motivations of women choosing anonymous birth.
• The policy's impact on maternal mental health and infant safety requires ongoing evaluation.