Infanticide and child murder - admissions to the Central Mental Hospital 1850-2000

Infanticide and child murders have been known to all civilisations throughout time. This study looks at the problem from an Irish perspective, particularly with regard to the forensic psychiatry service. The case notes and legal files of 64 women admitted to the Central Mental Hospital (CMH), Dublin, between May 1850 and 2000 were examined. This group represents a complete sample of female inpatients charged with these offenses over the 150 year history of the institution. Sociodemographic and clinical data were analysed to provide psychiatric and social backgrounds to the cases. There has been a considerable decrease in the number of women admitted to the CMH on charges or conviction for infanticide and child murder in recent years. It appears that the attitude of the judiciary to these women has altered. The cases are discussed in the context of the prevailing attitudes of the era.