[Neonaticide: frequently suspected, seldom proven]

Area of Science:

• Forensic Pathology
• Neonatal Autopsy
• Infanticide Studies

Background:

• Neonaticide, the killing of a newborn infant, presents unique forensic challenges.
• Determining the viability and cause of death in neonates is critical for legal proceedings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of pathological findings in suspected neonaticide cases in the Netherlands.
• To assess the impact of decomposition on forensic investigations of neonaticide.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective descriptive study of autopsy reports from the Netherlands Forensic Institute (1994-2011).
• Analysis of data including gestational age, body discovery circumstances, and autopsy results for 78 neonates.

Main Results:

• 78 neonaticide cases were analyzed; 61% were full-term births.
• Advanced decomposition (moderate to severe) was observed in 63% of cases, hindering determination of live birth and cause of death.
• In cases with minimal decomposition, only 1 was stillborn, and a cause of death was determined in 12.

Conclusions:

• Approximately 4-5 forensic autopsies for suspected neonaticide occur annually in the Netherlands.
• Advanced decomposition frequently impedes the ability to ascertain signs of life at birth and establish the cause of death.
• The state of decomposition significantly challenges the forensic investigation of neonaticide.